Golden Hour & Blue Hour Calculator
Get exact golden hour and blue hour times for any location and date. Choose from city presets or enter custom coordinates. All times in UTC. Nothing uploaded.
Location & Date
Times shown in UTC. Add your timezone offset to get local time.
Photo Light Windows
Learn more: golden hour and blue hour for photographers
What is golden hour and why it matters for photography
Golden hour is the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset when the sun is low in the sky and produces warm, diffused light with long shadows. This light is particularly flattering for portraits, landscapes, and architecture. Unlike midday harsh light, golden hour creates flattering tones and visible texture. The problem is that most weather apps only show sunrise and sunset times, not the actual golden hour window - which is what photographers care about.
Blue hour - the twilight sweet spot for urban photography
Blue hour is the twilight period before sunrise and after sunset when the sky takes on a deep blue tone and the ambient light is soft and even. For photographers and cinematographers, it provides a unique balance between natural light and artificial lighting that is difficult to replicate during daylight. This is the ideal window for cityscape photography, urban portraits, and architectural shots with lit buildings.
How long do golden and blue hour last - why latitude matters
Golden hour length varies dramatically by latitude and season. Near the equator it can be as short as 20-30 minutes. At higher latitudes (above 50 degrees north or south) in summer, it can last 60-90 minutes or more. Near the poles around the summer solstice, golden light can last for hours. This calculator shows the exact morning and evening windows for your location and date.
FAQ
Why do I need this calculator if I know sunrise and sunset?
Sunrise and sunset times mark when the sun touches the horizon, but golden hour starts and ends much earlier - roughly 1 hour before and after sunset/sunrise. Blue hour is even more specific: the narrow twilight window after golden hour ends. This calculator shows all four boundaries so you can plan your shoot precisely.
Do I need to use UTC, or can I use my local timezone?
The calculator shows times in UTC. To get your local time, add your timezone offset (e.g., UTC-5 for Eastern Time, UTC+1 for British Summer Time). This avoids ambiguity with daylight saving time transitions.
What if I need golden hour times for next month?
Pick any date in the date picker. Golden hour times shift slightly day-to-day as the sun's position changes. In summer, golden hour is much longer than in winter, especially at higher latitudes.