Golden Hour Calculator

Find the perfect light for photography. Get sunrise, sunset, golden hour, and blue hour times for any US zip code.

Plan perfect lighting for your photo shoots - a free tool from professional photographer Houston Hanna. ESSENTIAL FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Golden hour is the secret to stunning portraits and landscapes. This calculator tells you exactly when to shoot for that magical warm light. WHAT YOU GET - Sunrise Time - Know exactly when first light hits - Golden Hour AM - The first hour after sunrise with soft, warm light - Golden Hour PM - The last hour before sunset (the most popular shooting time) - Sunset Time - Plan your timeline precisely - Blue Hour - That magical 30 minutes of cool, ethereal light after sunset SIMPLE & FAST 1. Enter any US zip code 2. See today's times instantly 3. Your location saves automatically for next time PERFECT FOR - Portrait photography sessions - Landscape and nature photography - Wedding and engagement shoots - Real estate golden hour photos - Video production and filmmaking - Any outdoor photography planning WHY GOLDEN HOUR MATTERS The hour after sunrise and before sunset produces soft, diffused light with warm tones that's universally flattering. Harsh midday sun creates unflattering shadows - golden hour eliminates that problem. ACCURATE CALCULATIONS Uses astronomical data from sunrise-sunset.org based on your exact coordinates. Times update daily and account for your specific location. 100% FREE & PRIVATE Your zip code is stored only on your device. We never see your location or any personal data.