Golden Hour Calculator
Calculate golden hour and blue hour times for any location. Plan your photography shoots to capture the perfect natural lighting conditions.
Golden Hour Calculator
Calculate golden hour and blue hour times for photography
Quick City Presets
New York
40.71°, -74.01°
Los Angeles
34.05°, -118.24°
London
51.51°, -0.13°
Paris
48.86°, 2.35°
Tokyo
35.68°, 139.65°
Sydney
-33.87°, 151.21°
Dubai
25.20°, 55.27°
Singapore
1.35°, 103.82°
About Light Phases:
- Golden Hour: Sun 0-6° above horizon
- Blue Hour: Sun 4-6° below horizon
- Civil Twilight: Sun 0-6° below horizon
Formula
Based on solar position calculationsGolden hour occurs when the sun is 0-6° above the horizon. Blue hour is when the sun is 4-6° below.
How to Use
- 1Set your location — Use your current location or select a city preset, or enter coordinates manually.
- 2Choose a date — Select the date you want to calculate golden hour times for.
- 3View results — See sunrise, sunset, golden hour, and blue hour times for your location.
- 4Plan your shoot — Use the times to plan when to arrive for the best lighting conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is golden hour in photography?
Golden hour is the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset when the sun is low in the sky (0-6° above the horizon). The light is warm, soft, and diffused, creating flattering conditions for portraits and dramatic landscapes.
What is blue hour?
Blue hour occurs when the sun is 4-6° below the horizon, just before sunrise or after sunset. The sky takes on a deep blue color while there's still enough ambient light to photograph. It's ideal for cityscapes where artificial lights balance with the blue sky.
How long does golden hour last?
Golden hour typically lasts 20-60 minutes depending on your latitude and time of year. Near the equator, it's shorter. At higher latitudes, especially near solstices, it can last much longer.
Why is golden hour light better for photography?
During golden hour, sunlight travels through more atmosphere, which scatters blue light and creates warm tones. The low angle also creates longer shadows and more dimensional lighting, reducing harsh contrasts.
What camera settings should I use during golden hour?
Start with a lower ISO (100-400), use aperture priority mode, and consider warming your white balance slightly. The changing light means you'll need to adjust settings frequently. Shoot in RAW for maximum flexibility.