New York, USA
Lat: 40.71°•Lon: -74.01°
GOLDEN HOUR PHOTOGRAPHY WINDOW
08:55 PM – 10:09 PM
Ideal warm, diffused lighting window for portraits, landscapes, and drone video
First Light (Civil Dawn)11:49 AM
Sunrise12:20 PM
Solar Noon04:59 PM
Sunset09:38 PM
Last Light (Civil Dusk)10:09 PM
True Night (Astro Dusk)11:17 PM
Golden Hour Photography Calculator
Morning & Evening Brackets•Sun Elevation -4° to +6° Window•Kelvin Color Temperature Guide•Live Countdown to Golden Light
Capture Stunning Warm Light for Photos and Video
Golden hour is revered by photographers and cinematographers as the most flattering natural light of the day. When the sun hangs between 6 degrees above the horizon and 4 degrees below, sunlight travels through a greater volume of atmosphere, filtering out harsh blue rays and creating soft, warm, directional illumination.
Our calculator pinpoints the exact start and end times for both morning and evening golden hours in your area, complete with recommendations for camera white balance (3200K–4000K) and exposure.
How to Use the Golden Hour Calculator
1
Select your photography shoot location or enter GPS coordinates.
2
View exact morning and evening golden hour windows formatted in your local time.
3
Arrive on site 15 minutes prior to set up camera angles before peak golden light.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is golden hour in photography?
Golden hour is the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset when daylight is warmer, softer, and more directional, casting long pleasing shadows without harsh contrast.
How long does golden hour last?
In temperate latitudes, golden hour lasts approximately 40 to 60 minutes. Near the equator it is shorter (around 30 minutes), while near the poles it can last for several hours.
What sun angle defines golden hour?
Most professional photographers define golden hour as the window when the sun is between 6 degrees above the horizon and 4 degrees below the horizon.
Ready to Use the Golden Hour Calculator?
Scroll up to start using this tool immediately with zero setup required.