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when is golden hour

Golden hour is the short period around sunrise and sunset when the light is low, warm, and soft. It usually starts just after sunrise and ends shortly after, then happens again before sunset and around dusk, but the exact timing changes by location, season, and latitude.

Typical timing

  • Morning: roughly the first hour after sunrise.
  • Evening: roughly the last hour before sunset.
  • In some places it can be much shorter or longer than an hour depending on the sun’s angle.

What makes it special

The sun is low on the horizon, so shadows are softer and the light looks warmer than at midday. That is why photographers often plan shoots for this time.

For your location, golden hour changes day by day, so the exact window is best checked for the specific date and place.