Find Golden Hour Time for Any Location
Free calculator shows the exact golden hour window plus light direction and shadow angles for your shoot.
Open Golden Hour CalculatorHow to Find Golden Hour in SunMap
Navigate to Your Location
Open SunMap and search for your shooting location. You can enter a city name, specific address, or landmark.
Set Your Shooting Date
Use the date picker to select when you plan to shoot. Golden hour timing shifts throughout the year as the sun's path changes with the seasons.
Find When Sun Altitude is 0-6°
Move the time slider and watch the sun altitude display. Golden hour is when this reading shows between 0° and 6°. There are two windows: morning (after sunrise) and evening (before sunset).
Check the Azimuth for Light Direction
The sun azimuth shows the compass direction of the light. For backlit shots, position yourself with the sun behind your subject. For front-lit shots, have the sun behind you.
Watch the 3D Shadows
The 3D map shows how shadows fall at your location. Use this to plan compositions that incorporate dramatic long shadows or avoid unwanted shadows on your subject.
Golden Hour Basics
Morning Golden Hour
Occurs from sunrise until the sun reaches 6° altitude. Light starts cooler (pinker) and warms up as the sun rises. Often less crowded for photography.
Evening Golden Hour
Occurs when the sun drops below 6° until sunset. Light becomes progressively warmer and softer. Often more convenient timing for most photographers.
Duration Varies by Latitude
Near the equator, golden hour is brief (~20 min). At high latitudes in summer, it can last hours. SunMap shows the exact duration for your location.
Seasonal Changes
In winter, the sun sets at a steeper angle, making golden hour shorter. In summer, the oblique angle extends the golden period.
Pro Tips for Golden Hour Photography
Arrive 30 minutes early
Golden hour light changes fast. Get to your location, set up your gear, and find your composition before the magic light arrives.
Know your azimuth
Check where the sun will set using SunMap's azimuth display. Position yourself so the light falls where you want it—front light, side light, or back light.
Check for obstructions
Use SunMap to see if mountains, buildings, or trees will block the sun before it reaches the horizon. Your "golden hour" might start earlier due to local terrain.
Don't stop at sunset
Blue hour follows golden hour—when the sun is below the horizon but still illuminating the sky. Some of the best shots come in this transition.
Find Your Golden Hour
Get the exact golden hour time for any location and date. Free, no signup required.
Open Golden Hour Calculator