Calculate sunrise, sunset, and golden hour times for any location. Perfect for planning photography sessions and outdoor activities with accurate sun position data.
A sunrise sunset calculator provides precise sun timing data for any location and date worldwide. Calculate sunrise time, sunset time, golden hour windows, blue hour periods, and twilight phases to plan outdoor photography sessions, schedule activities, or simply know when the sun rises and sets. This sun position calculator uses astronomical algorithms to deliver accurate solar data including solar noon, day length, and optimal photography lighting times.
Enter your location coordinates or click on the interactive map to select any spot on Earth. Choose your desired date or use today's date for immediate sunrise sunset times. Click "Calculate Times" to instantly see sunrise, sunset, golden hour, blue hour, and all twilight periods. The visual timeline shows sun position throughout the day, helping you plan exactly when to shoot. Download results or bookmark specific locations for regular photography planning.
Golden hour occurs twice daily - the hour after sunrise and before sunset - offering warm, soft, directional light ideal for portraits, landscapes, and outdoor photography. Blue hour happens during civil twilight when the sun is below the horizon, creating deep blue skies perfect for cityscapes and architectural shots. Morning golden hour provides cooler tones while evening golden hour gives warmer hues. Use this calculator to find exact golden hour start and end times, ensuring you never miss optimal lighting conditions for photography.
Photographers use sunrise sunset calculators to plan landscape shoots, wedding photography, real estate listings, and portrait sessions during optimal lighting. Outdoor enthusiasts calculate sun times for hiking trips, beach visits, fishing expeditions, and camping adventures. Gardeners track sun position for planting schedules. Event planners use sunset times for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. Calculate solar noon for sun angle studies, day length for seasonal planning, and twilight times for astrophotography sessions and night sky observations.
Civil twilight provides enough light for outdoor activities without artificial lighting - best for landscape photography with detail and color. Nautical twilight occurs when the horizon becomes difficult to see, creating dramatic silhouettes and moody photography. Astronomical twilight marks the darkest sky before complete night, ideal for astrophotography, stargazing, and capturing the Milky Way. Each twilight phase offers unique creative opportunities for photographers. Use this calculator to find exact twilight times and plan specialized photography sessions.
Golden Hour Magic: Shoot during the golden hour (hour after sunrise or before sunset) for warm, soft, directional light perfect for portraits and landscapes. Morning golden hour provides cooler tones while evening golden hour gives warmer hues.
Blue Hour Drama: The blue hour creates moody, atmospheric shots with deep blue skies. Ideal for cityscapes and architectural photography. This occurs during civil twilight when the sun is below the horizon.
Arrive Early: Get to your location 30-45 minutes before golden hour to set up and find the best composition. Light changes quickly during these periods, so preparation is key.
Twilight Details: Civil twilight is best for detailed landscapes. Nautical twilight creates silhouettes. Astronomical twilight is perfect for astrophotography and capturing the Milky Way.
Weather Matters: Clouds during golden hour can add incredible colors and textures. Clear skies work best for blue hour and astronomical photography. Check weather forecasts before planning your shoot.