Plan morning and evening photography using estimated sun angles.
Find low-angle light windows. Enter coordinates and the UTC offset that applies on your chosen date.
Enter your field location to calculate.
Method, assumptions and field use
These are estimates for an unobstructed horizon at sea level using NOAA’s approximate solar-position equations. The calculation samples the chosen local calendar day and refines altitude crossings. Sunrise and sunset use a solar-centre altitude of −0.833°, allowing approximately for refraction and the Sun’s radius. Civil, nautical and astronomical twilight use −6°, −12° and −18° respectively.
Golden hour here is defined as the Sun’s centre between −4° and +6° altitude, a planning convention rather than a guarantee of photographic light. Clouds, terrain, buildings and elevation affect what you see. Allow several minutes of timing margin, and more at high latitudes. Do not use these estimates for navigation or safety-critical decisions.
Dates are limited to 1900–2100. All times show the entered fixed UTC offset; the tool does not look up time zones or apply daylight saving automatically. Monthly daylight comparisons use the 15th of each month and the same offset. A window touching midnight may continue on the adjacent date. Calculations stay in your browser.
Instructions
- Choose Date for your planned visit.
- Enter Latitude (north positive) and Longitude (east positive). Use decimal degrees and minus signs for south or west.
- Set UTC offset in hours for that date, including daylight saving, then select Calculate.
- Use Print result or Download text after checking the location and times.
Understanding your results
The result shows estimated morning and evening windows when the Sun is between −4° and +6° altitude. This definition helps with planning low-angle light. It does not promise warm colour or an unobstructed view; clouds and the direction of your subject still matter.
What to do if there is no golden-hour window on your date
At high latitudes the Sun may not cross the selected altitude band. Check the coordinates and date, then try a neighbouring date. A missing crossing can be a valid result rather than a fault.
Using this tool in your browser
This tool handles your entries in your browser with JavaScript enabled and does not save them automatically. Use the download or print controls described in the instructions to keep a copy before closing or reloading the page. On a phone, your browser controls where downloads go and which print options are available.
Summary
Use the windows to plan a visit, then judge the light when you arrive.