Sunrise and sunset times matter for photography, outdoor activities, construction, aviation, and religious practices. Knowing exactly when the sun rises and sets helps you plan around available daylight.
Photographers rely on golden hour, the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset when the light is warm and soft. A wedding photographer in Paris on July 18, 2026 needs to know that golden hour starts around 8:50pm (sunset at 9:50pm) to schedule the couple's portrait session.
Runners and cyclists plan outdoor workouts around daylight. A runner in Stockholm in December, when sunrise is past 8:30am and sunset is before 3pm, needs to schedule runs during the narrow daylight window or use reflective gear for dark conditions.
Construction crews work within daylight hours for safety and productivity. A site manager in Toronto in November, when sunset is around 4:50pm, needs to plan concrete pours and crane operations before losing daylight.
Religious practices often follow solar events. Islamic prayer times are based on sunrise and sunset. Jewish Sabbath begins at sunset on Friday. Knowing exact sunset times for a specific location helps with observance.
Sunrise and sunset times are calculated using the solar position algorithm, which computes the sun's elevation angle relative to the horizon for a given latitude, longitude, and date. Sunrise is when the sun's upper edge first appears above the horizon, and sunset is when it disappears below it.
This tool uses the suncalc JavaScript library, which implements a solar position algorithm based on work by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The algorithm accounts for atmospheric refraction (which makes the sun visible slightly before it geometrically rises) and the solar declination angle for the selected date.
Twilight times are defined by the sun's position below the horizon. Civil twilight is when the sun is between 0 and 6 degrees below the horizon (enough light for outdoor activities). Nautical twilight is 6 to 12 degrees below (horizon visible at sea). Astronomical twilight is 12 to 18 degrees below (sky fully dark for astronomy).
Day length is the time between sunrise and sunset, not including twilight. At high latitudes, day length varies dramatically between seasons. At 40 degrees north (New York), day length ranges from about 9 hours 15 minutes in December to 15 hours 5 minutes in June.
Input
New York, July 18, 2026 (40.71N, 74.01W)
Output
Sunrise: 05:40, Solar noon: 12:59, Sunset: 20:26, Day length: 14h 46m
Mid-summer, long day at 40 degrees north latitude
Input
London, December 21, 2026 (51.51N, 0.13W)
Output
Sunrise: 08:03, Solar noon: 12:00, Sunset: 16:00, Day length: 7h 57m
Winter solstice, shortest day at 51 degrees north
Input
Tokyo, March 20, 2026 (35.68N, 139.65E)
Output
Sunrise: 05:48, Solar noon: 11:58, Sunset: 18:08, Day length: 12h 20m
Spring equinox, nearly equal day and night
Input
Sydney, June 21, 2026 (33.87S, 151.21E)
Output
Sunrise: 06:59, Solar noon: 11:53, Sunset: 16:47, Day length: 9h 48m
Winter solstice in southern hemisphere
Important considerations
How accurate are the sunrise and sunset times?
Times are calculated using the suncalc library, which implements a solar position algorithm based on NREL standards. Accuracy is typically within 1-2 minutes for most locations. Atmospheric conditions and elevation can cause small variations.
What is golden hour?
Golden hour is the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset when the sun is low on the horizon, producing warm, soft light. It typically lasts about 30-60 minutes. Photographers prize this light for portraits and landscapes.
What is blue hour?
Blue hour is the period just before sunrise and just after sunset when the sun is slightly below the horizon and the sky takes on a deep blue tone. It lasts about 20-30 minutes and is popular for cityscape and architecture photography.
Why does day length change throughout the year?
Day length varies because the Earth's axis is tilted 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the sun. In summer, your hemisphere tilts toward the sun, giving longer days. In winter, it tilts away, giving shorter days. The effect is more extreme at higher latitudes.
What are the different types of twilight?
Civil twilight (sun 0-6 degrees below horizon) has enough light for outdoor activities without artificial lighting. Nautical twilight (6-12 degrees) is when the horizon is still visible at sea for navigation. Astronomical twilight (12-18 degrees) is when the sky is dark enough for astronomical observations.
Why is solar noon not always at 12:00pm?
Solar noon is when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, which depends on your longitude within your timezone and the equation of time (a seasonal variation caused by Earth's elliptical orbit and axial tilt). It can differ from clock noon by up to 30 minutes.
Can I use this for locations not in the city list?
Yes. Enter custom latitude and longitude coordinates for any location. You can find coordinates using GPS, mapping apps, or online geocoding services.
Does elevation affect sunrise and sunset times?
Yes. At higher elevations, you can see the sun earlier at sunrise and later at sunset because the horizon is lower. The tool assumes sea level, so for mountain locations, sunrise may be a few minutes earlier and sunset a few minutes later than shown.
Sunrise and sunset times are calculated mathematically and are typically accurate within 1-2 minutes for most locations. Atmospheric refraction, elevation, and local horizon obstructions (mountains, buildings) can cause small variations. For applications requiring exact times (legal, religious), consult local astronomical tables.