Golden hour and blue hour
The softest light for photos: the golden hour is just after sunrise and before sunset, the blue hour is in twilight. Choose a city and a date.
Golden hour and blue hour
Saturday, 31 October 2026 · London
- MorningBlue hour06:17–06:3013 min
- MorningGolden hour06:30–07:411 h 11 min
- EveningGolden hour15:46–16:571 h 11 min
- EveningBlue hour16:57–17:1013 min
Golden hour in the next 7 days
| Date | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, 31 October | 06:30–07:41 | 15:46–16:57 |
| Sunday, 1 November | 06:32–07:43 | 15:44–16:55 |
| Monday, 2 November | 06:33–07:45 | 15:42–16:53 |
| Tuesday, 3 November | 06:35–07:47 | 15:39–16:51 |
| Wednesday, 4 November | 06:37–07:49 | 15:37–16:50 |
| Thursday, 5 November | 06:39–07:51 | 15:35–16:48 |
| Friday, 6 November | 06:40–07:53 | 15:34–16:47 |
- Golden hour: the sun is between 4° below and 6° above the horizon, and the light is warm and soft.
- Blue hour: the sun is between 6° and 4° below the horizon, and the sky is deep blue.
Frequently asked questions
What is the golden hour?
The time just after sunrise and before sunset, when the sun is low above the horizon (up to 6°): the light is warm and soft, with long shadows. That is why photographers love it for portraits and landscapes.
What is the blue hour?
The twilight when the sun is between 4° and 6° below the horizon: there is no direct sunlight and the sky is deep blue. In the evening the blue hour comes after sunset and the golden hour, in the morning before them. It is great for city scenes with the lights on.
How long does the golden hour last?
It depends on the place and season: near the equator the sun rises steeply and the golden hour lasts about 20-25 minutes, in mid latitudes about an hour, longer in winter. Far north in summer it can last for hours.