Golden Hour Time Calculator
Estimate the morning and evening golden-hour windows for warm, low-sun light from your local sunrise and sunset times.
How it works
morning golden hour = sunrise → sunrise + length · evening golden hour = sunset − length → sunset
Golden hour is the stretch of warm, soft, directional light when the Sun sits low in the sky — roughly the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset. As a quick approximation it is the golden-hour length after sunrise and the same length before sunset. The true window depends on latitude and season (it lasts far longer near the poles and in winter, and shrinks near the equator), so adjust the length to match how long the low light really lingers where you are.
Worked example
With sunrise at 6:30 AM and sunset at 7:30 PM and a 60-minute window, morning golden hour runs 6:30–7:30 AM and evening golden hour runs 6:30–7:30 PM.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is golden hour?
It is the period when the Sun is low (roughly 0–6° above the horizon), giving warm, diffused light and long shadows. Photographers prize it for portraits and landscapes.
Is golden hour always an hour?
No — that is just the name. It can be as short as 20–30 minutes near the equator and much longer at high latitudes or in winter. Set the length to match your location and season.
How do I get accurate sunrise and sunset times?
Use a sunrise/sunset table or weather app for your exact date and place, then enter them as decimal hours. The window is only as accurate as those two times.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.