What time is golden hour?

What is golden hour?

Golden hour is the part of the day when low sunlight produces long shadows and often warmer colors. This calculator defines it as the Sun’s geometric center moving between 0° and +6° altitude, in either direction. Other photography guides may include light before sunrise or after sunset, so their intervals can differ.

How long does golden hour last?

“Hour” is a name, not a fixed sixty-minute duration. The Sun crosses the selected altitude band at different speeds depending on latitude and season. The cards above subtract the actual event instants to show today’s duration in Boston. Around high-latitude summer or winter, some altitude crossings may not happen at all. Clouds, haze and nearby buildings can shorten the light you can use.

Golden hour and blue hour

Golden hour uses direct, low-angle sunlight; blue hour uses dimmer twilight before sunrise or after sunset. Compare blue hour in Boston →

Golden hour by city

See all sunrise, sunset and twilight times in Boston.

Golden hour photography tips

• Arrive before the interval starts so you can compose while the light changes.
• Scout the direction of the light; mountains and buildings can block a low Sun.
• Try side lighting for texture and backlighting for a softer outline.
• Check clouds and weather before traveling; a calculated time is not a clear-sky forecast.