Golden Hour Calculator
Tells a photographer when the low warm light starts and ends on a given day.
Share sends a link that reopens these numbers. Copy details pastes the full breakdown as a list.
The formula
cos H = (sin a − sin φ × sin δ) ÷ (cos φ × cos δ) time = solar noon ∓ 4H minutes
The NOAA solar calculation, solved for each Sun altitude a that marks the start or end of a period.
What to watch out for
Nearer the equator the Sun drops steeply, so golden hour is short. At high latitudes it can last far longer, or in summer run through the whole night.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is golden hour?
It depends on the place and the date, and need not be an hour. On 20 June 2024 the evening one lasts about 83 minutes in London and 44 minutes on the equator.
What is blue hour?
The time just before sunrise and just after sunset when the Sun is a few degrees below the horizon, and the sky is a deep, even blue.