What the golden and blue hours are
The golden hour is the time around sunrise and sunset when the sun is low: the light is warm and soft and shadows are long, which gives aerial shots depth. The blue hour is the twilight just before sunrise and after sunset, when the sun is below the horizon and the sky turns deep blue while city lights are on.
Photographers define them by the height of the sun, and so does the calculator:
| Period | Sun's height |
|---|---|
| Blue hour | from 6° to 4° below the horizon |
| Golden hour | from 4° below to 6° above the horizon |
| Sunrise and sunset | 0.833° below (the top of the sun touches the horizon, refraction included) |
In the tropics these periods are short, because the sun rises steeply; far from the equator, in summer, they last much longer.
How it is calculated
The calculator uses the solar position equations published by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which give the sun's declination and the equation of time for the date, and works out when the sun crosses each height at your latitude and longitude. Search for the place by name: the calculator takes its coordinates and time zone from the free Open-Meteo place search and shows the times in the place's local time on that date, daylight saving time included. The sun calculation itself runs in your browser. If you prefer, open "Coordinates and time zone" and type them yourself.
Flying at golden and blue hour
- Rules: in many countries flying after sunset is restricted or needs extra equipment. In the United States, Part 107 (§107.29) allows flights in civil twilight and at night only with anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles. Check the rules for the country on our no-fly zones pages.
- Wind: the ground is often calm at dawn while the wind higher up keeps blowing; see the wind at altitude calculator.
- Cold and dew: batteries lose capacity in the cold morning air, and lenses can fog when the drone comes out of a warm car.
- Low light: obstacle sensors work less well in twilight. Keep the drone in sight and avoid flying close to trees and wires.
Frequently asked questions
When is the golden hour?
Roughly the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset, when the sun is less than 6° above the horizon. Its exact length depends on your latitude and the season; the calculator gives the times for your place and date.
What is the difference between golden hour and blue hour?
In the golden hour the sun is just above or just below the horizon and the light is warm. In the blue hour the sun is 4° to 6° below the horizon: no direct light, a deep blue sky and city lights on.
Can I fly a drone during the blue hour?
It depends on the country. The blue hour falls in civil twilight, which some countries treat as night. In the United States Part 107 allows it with anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles.