Sun & Sky Times

Every sun-position time for a chosen location and date, from astronomical dawn to astronomical dusk.

Enter a valid date.

About this tool

Everything the sky does in a day, on one page. Sun & Sky Times shows sunrise, sunset and each twilight stage for any US city or custom coordinates and date, so you can see when darkness truly begins and when the first light arrives. Photographers use it to plan golden hour and blue hour shoots, hikers use it to avoid being caught on the trail after dark, and anyone planning a wedding, a barbecue or an evening run can use it to schedule around the light. The numbers come from standard solar-position astronomy and are typically accurate to within about a minute. If you only need a single time, jump straight to Sunrise Time or Sunset Time for a quick answer. Interested in the night ahead? The Moon Phase page shows the illumination percentage. For a trip to another city, compare local time with the World Clock and convert meeting times using the Time Zone Converter. Setting an alarm for a pre-dawn start? The Countdown Timer can count you in. See all astronomy helpers in the Sun & Sky hub.

What is the difference between civil, nautical and astronomical twilight?

What is the difference between civil, nautical and astronomical twilight? They mark how far the sun is below the horizon: civil twilight (sun 0–6° below) is bright enough for most outdoor activity without lights; nautical twilight (6–12° below) is when the horizon is still visible at sea; astronomical twilight (12–18° below) is when the sky finally reaches full darkness for stargazing.

Features

  • Every stage from astronomical dawn to astronomical dusk
  • Golden hour and blue hour times
  • Any US city preset, or custom coordinates worldwide

Good for

  • Photography planning (golden hour, blue hour)
  • Outdoor event planning
  • Stargazing (astronomical dusk/dawn)

Frequently asked questions

What is golden hour?

The period shortly after sunrise or before sunset when the sun is low and its light is warm and soft, commonly used by photographers. This tool marks it as roughly when the sun's elevation is between about -4° and 6°.

Does this work outside the United States?

Yes, choose "Custom coordinates" and enter any latitude and longitude worldwide.

Why is there no sunrise or sunset on some days?

Near the poles, in summer the sun can stay above the horizon all day (polar day) and in winter it can stay below it all day (polar night). On those days, this tool shows that no sunrise/sunset occurs.

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