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The Magic Light
What is Golden Hour?
Golden hour is the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset when the sun is low in the sky. The light is warm, soft, and diffused—making colors more vibrant, reducing harsh shadows, and creating a flattering glow that enhances any scene.
Blue hour occurs just before sunrise and after sunset, when the sky takes on deep blue and purple hues. This is ideal for cityscapes, architecture, and moody atmospheric shots.
Golden Hour
Warm, soft light
Blue Hour
Moody twilight
Pro Tip
Arrive 15-30 minutes early to scout & set up
Select a City
Choose your destination to see golden hour times
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View countryArgentina
Brazil
Czech Republic
France
Greece
Hong Kong
Hungary
India
Indonesia
Morocco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Portugal
Singapore
South Africa
Spain
Thailand
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
Document Your
Trip
Use golden hour to capture perfect photos, then organize them into a beautiful travel journal with TripMemo. Pin photos to places, add notes, and share with friends.
Photo Journal
Photos organized by day
Pin Places
Map your journey
Collaborate
Share with friends
Film Effects
Vintage filters
Perfect for Every Photographer
Travel Photography
Plan shots around the best light
Cityscapes
Blue hour for stunning skylines
Landscapes
Golden light on nature
Portraits
Soft, flattering light
Photography Guide
Why Golden Hour Matters for Travel Photography
Golden hour isn't just about beautiful light—it's about capturing memories that feel alive. The warm, diffused light during this window transforms ordinary scenes into something magical, making your travel photos look professional without expensive equipment.
Research on autobiographical memory shows that sensory-rich experiences are remembered more vividly. Photos taken during golden hour—with their warm tones and soft shadows—trigger stronger emotional recall when you look back on your trips years later.
This is why we built the golden hour calculator. Planning your photography around optimal light isn't just for professionals—it's for anyone who wants their travel memories to last.
Golden Hour Journaling Prompts
Capture more than just photos
"What I photographed at golden hour today"
Document the shots you captured and why you chose them
"How the light changed the mood of this place"
The same location looks different at golden hour vs midday
"The feeling of watching this sunset/sunrise"
Sensory details that photos can't capture
"What I had to wake up early (or stay late) for"
The effort makes the memory more meaningful
How to use the Golden Hour Calculator
Get exact golden hour, blue hour, sunrise, and sunset times for any destination.
01
Pick a city
Choose a destination to open its golden hour times page.
02
Choose a date
Plan for your travel dates using the date picker.
03
Arrive early
Show up 15–30 minutes early to scout and set up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Golden hour, blue hour, sunrise and sunset — answered.
What is golden hour?
Golden hour is the short window after sunrise and before sunset when the sun is low and the light is warm, soft, and flattering. It reduces harsh shadows and makes colors look richer.
What is blue hour?
Blue hour happens before sunrise and after sunset when the sky turns deep blue. It’s great for cityscapes, architecture, and night photography with street lights.
How long does golden hour last?
Typically 20–40 minutes, but it varies by season and latitude. Higher latitudes can have a much longer golden hour in summer.
Does this golden hour calculator work for any date?
Yes. Each city page lets you choose a date, so you can plan for future travel dates as well as today.
Are sunrise and sunset times included?
Yes. City pages show sunrise and sunset times along with golden hour and blue hour windows.
Do you adjust for time zones and daylight saving time?
Yes. Times are computed for each city’s coordinates and local time zone, including daylight saving time where applicable.