Golden & Blue Hour Calculator
Computes the exact start and end of golden hour and blue hour for any lat/long and date.
Inputs
Result
A natural placement between the calculator and the explanation.
What this solves — and what it doesn't
Golden hour and blue hour are the magic windows for outdoor photography. Golden hour (sun between -4 and +6 degrees elevation) gives warm, soft light. Blue hour (sun between -4 and -6 degrees) gives cool, even illumination that flatters landscapes. The exact start and end depend on latitude, longitude, and date — this tool computes them.
How to read the result
The result shows sunrise/sunset plus four time windows (golden/blue x morning/evening). Plan your shoot around those.
The equation-of-time correction is applied — solar noon is not always 12:00 clock time. The result is in your local clock time.
Limitations
- Doesn’t account for terrain obstruction (mountains, buildings).
- Doesn’t model twilight beyond civil.
- Approximate at high latitudes; polar twilight varies wildly.
Frequently asked questions
Is golden hour always 60 min?
No — at the equator it’s shorter; at high latitudes it can be much longer (90+ min). This tool uses hour-angle math to compute actual duration.
What is the best time for mountain sunrise photos?
Arrive 30 min before blue hour starts. The pre-sunrise blue is the cleanest light.
Is this the same as civil twilight?
Close but not identical. Civil twilight ends at sun -6 degrees; blue hour is a subset.