Golden Hour Calculator

What is the golden hour?

The golden hour is the time just after sunrise and just before sunset, when the sun sits low on the horizon. The light is warm, soft and directional – shadows grow long, skin looks flattering, landscapes glow. For portraits, couple shoots and landscape photography it is the best light of the day. Depending on the season it may last less than a full hour: in summer the sun rises quickly past the critical angle, while in winter the golden light lingers longer.

What about the blue hour?

The blue hour falls before sunrise and after sunset, when the sun is just below the horizon. The sky takes on a deep, even blue – perfect for city shots with artificial light, lakes with reflections, and atmospheric silhouettes. A tripod is worthwhile; exposure times get long quickly.

Practical tips

• Arrive early – allow 30 minutes lead time. The best light doesn't wait, and setup always takes longer than expected.
• Mountains change the math – times assume an open horizon. If a mountain blocks the sun it disappears earlier; on a summit it shines longer.
• Stay after sunset – many photographers pack up too soon. The blue hour immediately after often produces the most atmospheric shots.
• Scout the spot first – ideas for locations with great light can be found at my photo spots in Switzerland.

How is it calculated?

The calculator determines the sun's position astronomically from the date and coordinates. Golden hour is defined here as the time between sunrise or sunset and a solar elevation of 6° above the horizon; blue hour corresponds to civil twilight (sun up to 6° below the horizon). The transitions are gradual – light doesn't follow exact minutes, but the times are a reliable planning guide.