Golden Hour Calculator
Find the perfect light for photography, accounting for terrain.
Select Location
Light Windows
Morning
Evening
Golden hour: Sun 0-6° above horizon. Warm, soft light.
Blue hour: Sun 4-6° below horizon. Cool, diffused light.
Day Timeline
Understanding Golden & Blue Hour
Golden hour and blue hour are the most sought-after times for photography. The quality of light during these periods creates warm, soft illumination (golden hour) or cool, ethereal tones (blue hour) that can transform ordinary scenes into stunning images.
Golden Hour
Occurs when the sun is between 0° and 6° above the horizon. The light travels through more atmosphere, filtering out blue wavelengths and creating warm, golden tones. Shadows are long and soft, perfect for portraits and landscapes.
Blue Hour
Occurs when the sun is between 4° and 6° below the horizon. The sky takes on deep blue tones while artificial lights begin to glow. Ideal for cityscapes, architecture, and moody landscapes.
Why Terrain Matters
Standard golden hour calculators assume a flat horizon. But if you're shooting in mountains or valleys, terrain can significantly affect when good light actually reaches your location. A mountain to the east might delay morning golden hour by 30+ minutes. This tool accounts for terrain to give you accurate times.