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London

Golden hour & blue hour times

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Friday, Feb 6

Sunrise

7:40 AM

Sunset

4:50 PM

Morning Golden
7:10 AM - 8:10 AM
Evening Golden
4:20 PM - 5:20 PM
Blue Hour
6:50 AM - 7:10 AM

Showing times for Friday, February 6, 2026(Today)

24-Hour Timeline

Drag or tap to explore light conditions throughout the day

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Selected

1:00 AM

Condition

Night

Night
Blue Hour
Golden Hour
Daylight

Both sunrise & sunset are stunning

Sunrise

Early morning London is quiet and atmospheric, with mist over the Thames and golden light on landmarks.

Sunset

Sunset views from the South Bank and city bridges are quintessentially London.

Photography tips for London

1

Tower Bridge with the sunrise behind The Shard creates a stunning east London composition.

2

St. Paul's Cathedral from the Millennium Bridge is magical at both golden hours.

3

The South Bank between Westminster and Tower Bridge has the best sunset angles on parliament.

4

Primrose Hill offers panoramic sunset views over central London's skyline.

5

The Tate Modern's viewing gallery is free and perfect for Thames sunset shots.

6

Westminster Bridge at sunrise captures Big Ben and Parliament without the crowds.

7

Sky Garden is a free rooftop venue with 360° views—book in advance.

8

Greenwich Park's hilltop provides classic views of the Royal Observatory and Canary Wharf.

9

The Leadenhall Building reflections create interesting compositions in the City.

10

Blue hour on the South Bank with illuminated buildings is particularly atmospheric.

Best photography spots in London

Westminster Bridge

sunrise

Classic Big Ben and Parliament view

Tip: South side of bridge for full Elizabeth Tower view

Millennium Bridge

Both

St. Paul's Cathedral with Thames foreground

Tip: Pedestrian-only, great for long exposures

The South Bank

sunset

Mile-long stretch with iconic London views

Tip: Walk from Westminster to Tower Bridge

Primrose Hill

sunset

Elevated park with downtown panorama

Tip: North London, stunning city views

Tower Bridge

sunrise

Victorian bridge with City skyline

Tip: Shoot from the south side toward The Shard

Sky Garden

sunset

Free rooftop garden with 360° views

Tip: Book free tickets weeks in advance

Greenwich Park

Both

Elevated views over Canary Wharf

Tip: Classic London panorama from the Observatory

St. James's Park

Both

Lake views with Buckingham Palace backdrop

Tip: Pelicans at the lake add interest

Weather Tips

London weather is notoriously changeable. Dramatic clouds can enhance photos, but be prepared for rain.

Best Months

May-June for longer days and spring flowers, or October for moody autumn light.

#LondonGoldenHour#LondonSunset#ThamesViews#LondonPhotography

Annual Overview

Year Heatmap

See how golden hour times shift throughout the year in London. Plan your trips around the best light.

Hover over cells to see details

Jan
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Jun
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Aug
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Dec
12 AM
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6 AM
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Light Conditions

Night

Stars, low light

Blue Hour

Twilight, city lights

Golden Hour

Warm, soft light

Daylight

Bright, even

Planning your London photography trip? Start documenting your adventure.

United Kingdom Travel Journal

Planning a trip to London?

Use these golden hour times to capture perfect photos, then organize them into a beautiful travel journal with TripMemo.

TripMemo
Document Your London Trip

Frequently Asked Questions

Golden hour and blue hour in London, explained.

When is golden hour in London?

Golden hour happens shortly after sunrise and before sunset, but the exact times change by date. Use the date picker above to see golden hour times for London on your travel dates.

When is blue hour in London?

Blue hour is the twilight period before sunrise and after sunset. The exact blue hour window depends on the date and location—check the times shown on this page for London.

Is sunrise or sunset better for photography in London?

Both sunrise and sunset are excellent in London. Sunrise: Early morning London is quiet and atmospheric, with mist over the Thames and golden light on landmarks. Sunset: Sunset views from the South Bank and city bridges are quintessentially London.

What are the best photography spots in London?

Top photography spots include Westminster Bridge, Millennium Bridge, The South Bank. Each location has optimal times for either sunrise or sunset photography.

How accurate are these sunrise and sunset times?

Times are calculated using the city's coordinates (51.51°, -0.13°) and local time zone. They're designed for planning photography and travel itineraries.

How long does golden hour last in London?

Golden hour typically lasts 20–40 minutes. At London's latitude (52°N), it can be longer in summer and shorter in winter.

What's the best time of year to visit London for photography?

May-June for longer days and spring flowers, or October for moody autumn light.

What should I know about weather in London?

London weather is notoriously changeable. Dramatic clouds can enhance photos, but be prepared for rain.

How should I plan a golden hour shoot?

Aim to arrive 15–30 minutes early to scout your spot, set up your gear, and be ready when the light peaks. Consider a second shoot during blue hour right after sunset.

Can I save these golden hour times for my trip?

Yes! Use the date picker to check times for your specific travel dates. Consider using TripMemo to document your golden hour photos and create a travel journal of your London trip.

Golden Hour & Blue Hour Times in London, United Kingdom | TripMemo