Golden hour calculator
When the light is best: morning and evening golden hour and blue hour for any location and date, in local time.
48.8667°, 2.3333° · Europe/Paris
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How we define golden hour and blue hour
There is no official standard, so CoordKit uses the definitions most photographers and apps share, based on the Sun’s elevation:
| Light | Sun elevation | What it looks like |
|---|---|---|
| Golden hour | +6° to −4° | Warm, low, long shadows |
| Blue hour | −4° to −6° | Deep blue sky, balanced artificial light |
| Nautical twilight | −6° to −12° | Sky darkening, horizon fading |
Tips for planning a shoot
- Arrive 20 minutes before the window; the best colour often comes just before sunrise or just after sunset.
- Check the direction: the bearing calculator helps line up a subject with where the Sun sets.
- High latitudes in summer give long, slow golden hours; the tropics give short, fast ones.
- Clouds on the horizon can block the Sun entirely. A clear horizon with some high cloud is ideal.
Frequently asked questions
What is golden hour?
The period shortly after sunrise and before sunset when the Sun is low, roughly between 6° above and 4° below the horizon. Light travels through more atmosphere, so it is warmer, softer and more directional, which photographers love for portraits and landscapes.
How long does golden hour last?
It depends on latitude and season. Near the equator the Sun drops steeply and golden hour can be 25–30 minutes; in northern Europe in summer it can last well over two hours; above the Arctic Circle it can last most of the day.
What is blue hour?
The twilight when the Sun is between about 4° and 6° below the horizon. The sky turns a deep, even blue and city lights balance with the sky, ideal for cityscapes and architecture.
Is golden hour exactly one hour?
No. The name is approximate. Use the calculator for the exact start and end times for your place and date.