Friday, Feb 6
Sunrise
7:06 AM
Sunset
5:04 PM
Showing times for Friday, February 6, 2026(Today)
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Sunrise is best in Chicago
Chicago's lakefront faces east—sunrise over Lake Michigan is spectacular from the beaches and paths.
Sunset lights up the west-facing sides of skyscrapers, viewed from the lake or Adler Planetarium.
Photography tips for Chicago
North Avenue Beach at sunrise captures the skyline with sand and water in frame.
The Bean (Cloud Gate) reflects sunrise light beautifully in early morning.
Adler Planetarium offers the classic full-skyline sunset view.
The Chicago Riverwalk at sunrise has beautiful reflections before tour boats.
The 360 Chicago observation deck (Hancock Building) offers sunset over the lake.
Navy Pier has unique angles back toward the skyline at both golden hours.
The L train at golden hour creates urban motion blur opportunities.
Olive Park near Navy Pier provides unobstructed skyline views.
The Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower are beautifully lit at golden hour.
DuSable Bridge on Michigan Avenue is a classic Chicago photography spot.
Best photography spots in Chicago
North Avenue Beach
sunriseSandy beach with full skyline panorama
Tip: The beach house creates silhouettes
Adler Planetarium
sunsetLakefront museum with city backdrop
Tip: Walk out to the peninsula point
Cloud Gate (The Bean)
sunriseReflective sculpture in Millennium Park
Tip: Empty before 8am
Chicago Riverwalk
BothPedestrian path along the river
Tip: Architecture boat tours pass at golden hour
360 Chicago
sunsetObservation deck on 94th floor
Tip: TILT attraction for unique angles
Navy Pier
sunsetLakefront pier with skyline views
Tip: The Ferris wheel frames city shots
DuSable Bridge
BothBridge at Michigan Avenue over the river
Tip: Classic view of Tribune Tower and Wrigley
Milton Lee Olive Park
BothQuiet park east of Navy Pier
Tip: Less crowded, excellent angles
Weather Tips
Chicago's "lake effect" can create dramatic clouds. Winter is cold but can be stunning; summer offers longer days.
Best Months
September for warm weather and clear skies, or February for dramatic winter skyline shots.
Annual Overview
Year Heatmap
See how golden hour times shift throughout the year in Chicago. Plan your trips around the best light.
Hover over cells to see details
Light Conditions
Night
Stars, low light
Blue Hour
Twilight, city lights
Golden Hour
Warm, soft light
Daylight
Bright, even
More cities in United States
Planning a trip to Chicago?
Use these golden hour times to capture perfect photos, then organize them into a beautiful travel journal with TripMemo.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Golden hour and blue hour in Chicago, explained.
When is golden hour in Chicago?
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 Chicago on your travel dates.
When is blue hour in Chicago?
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 Chicago.
Is sunrise or sunset better for photography in Chicago?
Sunrise is generally recommended in Chicago. Chicago's lakefront faces east—sunrise over Lake Michigan is spectacular from the beaches and paths.
What are the best photography spots in Chicago?
Top photography spots include North Avenue Beach, Adler Planetarium, Cloud Gate (The Bean). 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 (41.88°, -87.63°) and local time zone. They're designed for planning photography and travel itineraries.
How long does golden hour last in Chicago?
Golden hour typically lasts 20–40 minutes. At Chicago's latitude (42°N), it stays fairly consistent throughout the year.
What's the best time of year to visit Chicago for photography?
September for warm weather and clear skies, or February for dramatic winter skyline shots.
What should I know about weather in Chicago?
Chicago's "lake effect" can create dramatic clouds. Winter is cold but can be stunning; summer offers longer days.
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 Chicago trip.