What is golden hour in photography?

Golden hour is the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset when the sun is low on the horizon, creating soft, warm, golden light. This is considered the best time for outdoor photography as it produces flattering, dimensional lighting with long shadows.

Blue hour is the twilight period when the sun is below the horizon but the sky takes on a deep blue color. It occurs before sunrise and after sunset, lasting about 20-40 minutes. Photographers love blue hour for its moody, dramatic lighting.

What's the difference between civil, nautical, and astronomical twilight?

Civil twilight is when the sun is 0-6° below the horizon - there's enough light for most outdoor activities. Nautical twilight (6-12° below) is when the horizon is still visible at sea. Astronomical twilight (12-18° below) is when the sky is dark enough for astronomical observations.

How accurate are these sunrise and sunset calculations?

Our calculator uses the Sunrise-Sunset.org API which provides highly accurate astronomical calculations. Times are typically accurate to within 1-2 minutes. Note that local terrain features like mountains can affect actual visible sunrise/sunset times.

Is this sunrise calculator really free to use?

Yes! This sunrise, sunset, and golden hour calculator is completely free to use with no registration required. FreeWWW.com provides free tools and utilities with no subscriptions or premium features - just free!

Sunrise, Sunset & Golden Hour Calculator

Sun altitude throughout the day (degrees above horizon)

How to Use This Calculator

Get accurate sunrise, sunset, and twilight times for any location on Earth. This free tool is perfect for photographers planning golden hour shoots, astronomers, hikers, and anyone who needs to know when the sun rises and sets.

Golden Hour - The magical time just after sunrise and before sunset with warm, soft light
Blue Hour - The twilight period with deep blue sky, ideal for moody photography
Civil Twilight - Enough light for outdoor activities without artificial lighting
Nautical Twilight - The horizon is still visible at sea for navigation
Astronomical Twilight - Sky is dark enough for most astronomical observations

Sunrise & Sunset Calculator

24-Hour Daylight Timeline

Waxing Gibbous

How to Use This Calculator