Golden hour today in major cities
| City | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Istanbul | 06:42 AM – 07:35 AM | 06:11 PM – 07:04 PM |
| Ankara | 06:26 AM – 07:19 AM | 05:56 PM – 06:49 PM |
| Izmir | 06:49 AM – 07:40 AM | 06:21 PM – 07:12 PM |
| London | 06:38 AM – 07:43 AM | 05:56 PM – 07:01 PM |
| Paris | 07:28 AM – 08:30 AM | 06:50 PM – 07:51 PM |
| New York | 06:34 AM – 07:27 AM | 06:03 PM – 06:56 PM |
| Tokyo | 05:20 AM – 06:09 AM | 04:51 PM – 05:40 PM |
| Dubai | 05:56 AM – 06:40 AM | 05:36 PM – 06:20 PM |
Times are local to each city. Every city page on the world clock has its own golden hour section.
Golden hour photo tips
- Arrive 15–20 minutes early; the warmest light is in the last minutes before sunset.
- For portraits, put the sun behind your subject for a natural rim light in the hair.
- Set white balance to "daylight" instead of auto so the camera doesn't neutralise the warm tones.
- Bring a tripod for blue hour — city lights come on while the sky still has colour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is golden hour?
Golden hour is the time shortly after sunrise and before sunset when the sun is low. Light travels through more atmosphere, so it is soft, warm and directional, with long shadows. This page uses the common definition of the sun between 6° above and 4° below the horizon.
What is blue hour?
Blue hour is the short period before sunrise and after sunset when the sun is 4° to 6° below the horizon and the sky turns deep blue — ideal for cityscapes and night scenes.
How long does golden hour last?
It depends on latitude and season: usually 40 minutes to 1.5 hours at mid-latitudes, longer in summer and further from the equator, shorter near the equator.