Viewers were left disappointed as clouds blocked a rare sunset in Manhattan.

Thousands of visitors filled the streets, hoping to witness the extraordinary sunset phenomenon in which the sun aligns perfectly with Manhattan's east–west grid, creating a stunning visual effect known as Manhattanhenge.

Footage shows crowds standing shoulder to shoulder, many holding cameras, anticipating the iconic view on July 13.

A spectacular sunset the day before had raised expectations, but thick clouds rolled in, obscuring the view and dampening the moment.

The filmer said: 'No Manhattanhenge tonight due to cloud cover. A lot of disappointed people tonight.'

One by one, the group dispersed, missing out on what is often described as one of New York's most breathtaking natural spectacles.

Manhattanhenge occurs only a few times each year, when the setting sun lines up precisely with the city's street grid, illuminating the roadways with a golden glow and offering a picture-perfect moment framed by the skyline.