What Is Golden Hour?

Golden hour is the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset when natural light is soft, warm, and ideal for photography and outdoor activities. During this time, the sun is low in the sky, creating a beautiful golden glow that enhances colors and reduces harsh shadows.

When Does Golden Hour Occur?

Golden hour happens twice each day:

• Morning golden hour: Begins at sunrise and lasts approximately one hour
• Evening golden hour: Starts about one hour before sunset and ends at sunset

The exact timing varies by location and season. In general, golden hour occurs when the sun is between 6 degrees below and 6 degrees above the horizon. This positioning creates the characteristic warm, diffused light that photographers and outdoor enthusiasts seek.

Why Is Golden Hour Important?

Golden hour is highly valued for several reasons:

Photography

Photographers prefer golden hour because the light is soft and flattering. The warm tones enhance skin tones, landscapes look more vibrant, and the reduced contrast means fewer harsh shadows and blown-out highlights. Portrait photographers, landscape photographers, and wedding photographers all plan shoots around golden hour times.

Outdoor Activities

The pleasant lighting and comfortable temperatures during golden hour make it ideal for outdoor activities like running, cycling, hiking, and outdoor dining. The soft light reduces eye strain and creates a more enjoyable experience than the harsh midday sun.

Visual Appeal

The warm, golden quality of the light during this period makes everything look more appealing. Buildings, landscapes, and people all benefit from the flattering illumination that golden hour provides.

How Long Does Golden Hour Last?

Golden hour typically lasts about 60 minutes, but the duration can vary based on:

• Latitude: Near the equator, golden hour is shorter (around 45 minutes). At higher latitudes, it can extend to 90 minutes or more
• Season: During summer months, golden hour may last longer due to the sun's angle
• Weather: Cloud cover can extend or shorten the visible golden hour effect

Golden Hour vs Blue Hour

Golden hour is often confused with blue hour, but they are different:

• Golden hour: Occurs when the sun is near the horizon, creating warm, golden light
• Blue hour: Happens during civil twilight, when the sun is 4-6 degrees below the horizon, creating cool, blue tones

Both periods offer unique lighting conditions for photography, but golden hour is more popular for portraits and landscapes due to its warm, flattering qualities.

How to Find Golden Hour Times

To get accurate golden hour times for your location, you need to know:

• Your exact location (latitude and longitude)
• The current date
• Your local time zone

Our sunrise and sunset times pages calculate golden hour automatically based on your city's coordinates. The times update daily to reflect seasonal changes.