Golden Hour Calculator
Find today's sunrise, sunset, golden hour and blue hour for your exact location.
Golden Hour Photography Guide →
What are golden hour and blue hour?
The golden hour is the period just after sunrise and just before sunset when the sun is low and the light turns soft, warm and directional - the most flattering light of the day. The blue hour is the twilight before sunrise and after sunset, when the sky glows a deep, even blue that suits cityscapes and reflections.
How long the golden hour lasts
Despite the name it is rarely exactly an hour. Near the equator the sun drops quickly and the window is short, perhaps 20 minutes; toward the poles it lasts much longer, and in high summer can stretch for hours. This calculator gives the true times for your latitude and date rather than a rough estimate.
Planning a shoot around the light
Enter your coordinates - or tap 'Use my location' - and a date to get sunrise, sunset, both golden hours and the evening blue hour, shown in your device's local time. Arrive early, scout your composition in the flat light beforehand, and be ready to shoot as the colour peaks. The times are computed in your browser, so they work offline in the field.
How this calculation works
Formula: sun altitude h(t) from date, latitude and longitude
where:
date= datelat= latitudelng= longitude
Sources:
FAQ
How long is the golden hour?
Rarely exactly an hour - it varies with latitude and season, from about 20 minutes near the equator to much longer toward the poles. This tool gives the real window for your spot.
Do I need internet for this?
No. The sun times are computed in your browser from your coordinates and date, so it works offline once the page has loaded.
What is the difference between golden hour and blue hour?
Golden hour is the warm, low-sun light just after sunrise and before sunset; blue hour is the cooler twilight before sunrise and after sunset.
Why are the times different from another app?
Times depend on your exact coordinates and time zone; make sure the location is right, as even a small change in latitude shifts sunrise and sunset.