Sunrise Sunset Calculator

Calculate precise sunrise, sunset, dawn, and dusk times for any location worldwide.

Determine exact sun times including civil, nautical, and astronomical twilight periods. Essential for photography, outdoor activities, and astronomical observations.

Examples

Click on any example to load it into the calculator.

New York City Photography

photography

Perfect for capturing the golden hour in Manhattan with iconic skyline views.

Latitude: 40.7128°

Longitude: -74.0060°

Date: 2024-06-21

Timezone: -5h

Elevation: 10m

Mountain Hiking - Colorado

outdoor

Essential for planning high-altitude hikes with limited daylight hours.

Latitude: 39.7392°

Longitude: -104.9903°

Date: 2024-12-21

Timezone: -7h

Elevation: 1600m

Astronomical Observation - Arizona

astronomy

Ideal for stargazing and astronomical photography in dark sky conditions.

Latitude: 31.9686°

Longitude: -110.9726°

Date: 2024-03-21

Timezone: -7h

Elevation: 1200m

Tropical Beach - Hawaii

tropical

Perfect for beach activities and sunset photography in tropical paradise.

Latitude: 21.3069°

Longitude: -157.8583°

Date: 2024-09-21

Timezone: -10h

Elevation: 5m

Other Titles
Understanding the Sunrise Sunset Calculator: A Comprehensive Guide
Master the science of solar positioning and learn how to calculate precise sun times for any location on Earth. This guide covers everything from basic concepts to advanced astronomical applications.

What is the Sunrise Sunset Calculator?

  • Core Concepts
  • Why It Matters
  • Astronomical vs. Civil Time
The Sunrise Sunset Calculator is a sophisticated astronomical tool that determines the exact times when the sun appears and disappears from the horizon at any given location on Earth. It goes beyond simple sunrise and sunset times to include various twilight periods—civil, nautical, and astronomical—each serving different purposes for outdoor activities, photography, and scientific observations. This calculator uses precise astronomical algorithms that account for the Earth's axial tilt, orbital eccentricity, and atmospheric refraction to provide highly accurate results.
The Science Behind Solar Positioning
Sun times are determined by complex astronomical calculations involving the Earth's rotation, orbital position around the sun, and the observer's geographic location. The calculator considers the sun's declination (its position north or south of the celestial equator), the observer's latitude and longitude, and applies corrections for atmospheric refraction—the bending of light as it passes through Earth's atmosphere. This refraction makes the sun appear slightly higher in the sky than it actually is, affecting the precise moment of sunrise and sunset.
Understanding Twilight Periods
Twilight periods are crucial for various activities and are defined by the sun's position below the horizon. Civil twilight occurs when the sun is 6 degrees below the horizon—sufficient light for most outdoor activities. Nautical twilight (12 degrees below) provides enough light for navigation at sea. Astronomical twilight (18 degrees below) marks the transition to truly dark skies, essential for astronomical observations. Each period has specific applications in photography, navigation, and outdoor recreation.
The Impact of Location and Season
Your location on Earth dramatically affects sun times. Near the equator, day length varies little throughout the year, while polar regions experience extreme variations from 24-hour daylight in summer to complete darkness in winter. The calculator accounts for these geographic variations and seasonal changes, providing accurate results for any date and location worldwide.

Key Astronomical Concepts:

  • Solar Noon: The moment when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, typically not at 12:00 local time due to timezone and daylight saving adjustments.
  • Day Length: The total duration between sunrise and sunset, varying significantly with latitude and season.
  • Golden Hour: The period shortly after sunrise or before sunset when natural light is soft and warm, ideal for photography.
  • Blue Hour: The period of twilight when the sun is below the horizon but the sky takes on a deep blue color.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Calculator

  • Gathering Location Data
  • Inputting Coordinates
  • Interpreting Results
Using the calculator effectively requires accurate input data and understanding how to interpret the results for your specific needs.
1. Determining Your Exact Coordinates
Precise latitude and longitude are essential for accurate calculations. Use GPS devices, online mapping services, or smartphone apps to get coordinates to at least 4 decimal places. Remember that latitude ranges from -90° (South Pole) to +90° (North Pole), while longitude ranges from -180° to +180°. Positive latitude indicates Northern Hemisphere, negative indicates Southern Hemisphere. For longitude, positive values are east of the Prime Meridian, negative are west.
2. Understanding Timezone Offsets
The timezone offset tells the calculator how to convert the calculated times to your local time. UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) is the reference point. For example, Eastern Standard Time is UTC-5, Central European Time is UTC+1, and Japan Standard Time is UTC+9. During daylight saving time, add one hour to the standard offset. Many online tools can help you determine your exact timezone offset.
3. Accounting for Elevation
While elevation has a relatively small effect on sun times, it can be significant for high-altitude locations. Higher elevations experience slightly earlier sunrises and later sunsets due to reduced atmospheric refraction. For most locations, the default sea level calculation is sufficient, but for mountain locations above 1000 meters, including elevation can improve accuracy.
4. Interpreting the Results
The calculator provides comprehensive sun time data. Sunrise and sunset times are when the sun's upper edge appears or disappears at the horizon. Solar noon is when the sun reaches its highest point. Day length shows total daylight duration. Use these times to plan outdoor activities, photography sessions, or astronomical observations. The twilight periods are particularly valuable for understanding available light conditions.

Practical Applications by Twilight Type:

  • Civil Twilight: Perfect for outdoor sports, commuting, and general photography.
  • Nautical Twilight: Ideal for maritime navigation and landscape photography with dramatic lighting.
  • Astronomical Twilight: Essential for stargazing, astrophotography, and astronomical observations.
  • Complete Darkness: Best for deep-sky astronomy and light-sensitive wildlife photography.

Real-World Applications and Use Cases

  • Photography and Art
  • Outdoor Activities
  • Scientific Research
The Sunrise Sunset Calculator serves diverse applications across multiple fields, from creative pursuits to scientific research.
Photography and Visual Arts
Photographers rely heavily on sun times to capture the perfect light. The golden hour—the first and last hour of sunlight—provides warm, soft lighting ideal for portraits and landscapes. Blue hour, occurring during civil twilight, offers unique opportunities for cityscape and architectural photography. Astrophotographers use astronomical twilight times to plan deep-sky imaging sessions when the sky is darkest. Understanding these periods allows photographers to maximize their shooting time and achieve desired lighting effects.
Outdoor Recreation and Sports
Hikers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts use sun times to plan safe adventures. Knowing sunset times prevents getting caught in darkness, while sunrise times help optimize early starts for long treks. Water sports enthusiasts use nautical twilight times to understand safe boating conditions. Wildlife photographers and hunters use dawn and dusk times when animals are most active. The calculator helps ensure safety and maximize enjoyment of outdoor activities.
Agricultural and Environmental Applications
Farmers use sun times to optimize planting schedules and understand growing seasons. The length of daylight affects crop growth and flowering times. Environmental researchers use sun times to study seasonal changes and climate patterns. Solar energy systems rely on accurate sun times to optimize panel positioning and energy production. Understanding solar patterns is crucial for sustainable agriculture and renewable energy planning.

Advanced Astronomical Concepts and Calculations

  • Solar Declination
  • Atmospheric Refraction
  • Polar Day and Night
The calculator employs sophisticated astronomical algorithms that account for multiple factors affecting solar positioning.
Solar Declination and Seasonal Variations
Solar declination is the angle between the sun's rays and the plane of Earth's equator. It varies throughout the year due to Earth's axial tilt of 23.5 degrees, causing seasons and varying day lengths. The calculator uses the solar declination formula to determine the sun's position for any given date. This is why day length varies dramatically between summer and winter, especially at higher latitudes.
Atmospheric Refraction Effects
Atmospheric refraction bends sunlight as it passes through Earth's atmosphere, making the sun appear higher than its actual geometric position. This effect is most pronounced near the horizon, where light passes through more atmosphere. The calculator applies refraction corrections to provide accurate sunrise and sunset times. Without this correction, calculated times would be off by several minutes.
Polar Regions and Extreme Conditions
In polar regions, the calculator handles extreme cases like the midnight sun (24-hour daylight) and polar night (24-hour darkness). During summer solstice, locations above the Arctic Circle experience continuous daylight, while during winter solstice, they experience continuous darkness. The calculator accurately determines these periods and provides appropriate warnings when standard twilight calculations don't apply.

Special Astronomical Events:

  • Equinoxes: When day and night are approximately equal, occurring around March 21 and September 21.
  • Solstices: The longest and shortest days of the year, around June 21 and December 21.
  • Polar Day/Night: Continuous daylight or darkness experienced in polar regions during summer and winter.

Common Misconceptions and Accuracy Considerations

  • Horizon Effects
  • Weather Impact
  • Precision Limitations
Understanding the limitations and factors affecting accuracy helps users make informed decisions based on calculated sun times.
Horizon Obstructions and Local Geography
The calculator assumes a flat, unobstructed horizon, which may not reflect real-world conditions. Mountains, buildings, trees, or other obstacles can significantly alter actual sunrise and sunset times. For precise local planning, consider your specific horizon profile and adjust times accordingly. The calculator provides theoretical times based on astronomical calculations, not local visibility conditions.
Weather and Atmospheric Conditions
Weather conditions can dramatically affect actual sun visibility. Cloud cover, fog, or atmospheric pollution can obscure the sun even when calculations indicate it should be visible. Conversely, clear conditions might allow seeing the sun slightly before or after calculated times. The calculator provides baseline astronomical times that should be adjusted based on current weather conditions.
Precision and Rounding Considerations
The calculator provides times rounded to the nearest minute, which is sufficient for most applications. However, the actual moment of sunrise or sunset occurs over several minutes as the sun's disk crosses the horizon. For applications requiring extreme precision (such as certain religious observances or scientific measurements), consider that actual visibility might vary by 1-2 minutes from calculated times.

Accuracy Factors:

  • Atmospheric refraction can vary by 1-2 minutes depending on temperature and pressure.
  • Horizon obstructions can delay sunrise or advance sunset by 5-15 minutes.
  • Weather conditions can affect visibility by several minutes in either direction.
  • Elevation changes of 1000 meters can affect times by 1-2 minutes.