What is the golden hour?

The golden hour is the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset when the sun is low in the sky (roughly 0-6 degrees elevation). The light is warm, soft and directional, creating long shadows and a flattering quality ideal for portraits and landscapes.

What is the blue hour?

The blue hour occurs when the sun is between 4 and 6 degrees below the horizon. The sky takes on a deep blue hue with no direct sunlight. It is ideal for cityscapes, twilight scenes and creating a moody atmosphere.

How long does the golden hour last?

Despite the name, the golden hour varies in duration. Near the equator it can be as short as 20-30 minutes. At higher latitudes (like the UK at 51-55 degrees), it can last over an hour. In summer it is shorter, in winter longer.

Which direction should I face during golden hour?

In the morning, face east or south-east to capture subjects front-lit or side-lit by the rising sun. In the evening, face west or south-west. For dramatic backlighting, face directly towards the sun.

PhotoCalcs

Golden Hour Calculator \u2014 Golden & Blue Hour Times

Calculate golden hour and blue hour times for any location and date.

Latitude

Positive = North, Negative = South

Longitude

Positive = East, Negative = West

Date

Leave blank for today

How We Calculate This

Calculation Method

Solar declination calculated from day of year
Hour angle found for sun elevation thresholds (-6\u00B0, -4\u00B0, 0\u00B0, 6\u00B0)
Golden hour = sun between -4\u00B0 and 6\u00B0 elevation
Blue hour = sun between -6\u00B0 and -4\u00B0 elevation
Times are in UTC. Adjust for your local timezone.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: March 2026

All calculations are estimates based on standard optical and photographic formulas. Results may vary with specific equipment.