What Is Golden Hour?
Golden hour is the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset when the sun is low on the horizon, producing warm, soft light ideal for photography. The sun is between the horizon and roughly 6° elevation during this time.
Golden Hour Calculator
Calculate golden hour and blue hour times for photography at any location and date, with morning and evening windows.
Golden Hour
- Morning window
- 06:02 – 06:46
- 44 min
- Evening window
- 17:30 – 18:14
- 44 min
Blue Hour
- Morning window
- 05:28 – 05:41
- 13 min
- Evening window
- 18:34 – 18:47
- 13 min
Sun times
- Sunrise
- 06:02
- Sunset
- 18:14
Solar calculations based on NOAA algorithms. All times are UTC adjusted for longitude.
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Dates & Time
Golden Hour Calculator
Find the best times for photography by calculating golden hour and blue hour windows for any location and date.
What Is Blue Hour?
Blue hour occurs when the sun is between 4° and 6° below the horizon — just before sunrise and after sunset. The sky takes on a deep blue tone that creates dramatic, moody photographs.
Frequently asked questions
Typically 30–60 minutes, depending on latitude and time of year. Near the equator it is shorter; at higher latitudes in summer it can last well over an hour.
During polar day the sun may never drop below 6°, so there may be no distinct golden hour. Conversely, during polar night there is no sunrise at all.
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