Golden Hour Guide
Calculate golden hour times based on your location
How to use Golden Hour Guide
- 1Enter your location (or let the calculator use your device position).
- 2Pick the date you plan to shoot.
- 3Read the golden hour and blue hour start/end times for that day.
What Are Golden and Blue Hour?
Derived from solar elevation angle ≈ 6° (golden) and −4° to −6° (blue)The golden hour is the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset with warm, soft, directional light that flatters subjects and landscapes.
The blue hour follows, when the sun is just below the horizon and the sky turns deep blue — perfect for cityscapes and long exposures.
Frequently asked questions
How long does golden hour last?
Usually 20–60 minutes depending on latitude and season; it is longer near the equator and in winter at high latitudes.
What is blue hour for?
Its even, cool light and lit windows make it ideal for architecture, bridges, and reflections after sunset.
Does it work for indoor portraits?
The warm window light during golden hour is excellent for natural-looking indoor portraits near a window.