Sunrise and Sunset Calculator
Choose a place and date to see sun times, day length and twilight.
About the Calculations
Our calculator uses precise astronomical algorithms to determine sun times, taking into account:
- Atmospheric refraction effects
- Local elevation and terrain
- Daylight Saving Time adjustments
- Civil twilight periods (when the sun is 6° below the horizon)
Special Cases
For locations near the poles, there may be periods of midnight sun or polar night where the sun doesn't rise or set. The calculator will indicate these special cases when they occur.
Sunrise, Sunset and Twilight Explained
| Event | Sun position | What you see |
|---|---|---|
| Sunrise / sunset | Upper edge of the Sun on the horizon (centre ≈ 0.833° below, allowing for refraction) | First / last direct sunlight |
| Civil twilight | Sun 0.833°–6° below the horizon | Bright enough for most outdoor activity without lights |
| Nautical twilight | Sun 6°–12° below | Horizon still visible at sea; brightest stars appear |
| Astronomical twilight | Sun 12°–18° below | Sky nearly dark; faint stars and galaxies emerge |
| Solar noon | Sun at its highest point | Shortest shadows of the day |
Golden Hour and Blue Hour
Photographers plan around two windows. Golden hour is roughly when the Sun is between about 6° above and 4° below the horizon -- warm, soft light just after sunrise and before sunset. Blue hour is when the Sun is about 4–6° below the horizon, giving deep blue skies. Their length depends on latitude and season.
Why Day Length Changes
Earth’s axis is tilted about 23.44°, so days are longest around the June solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and the December solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. At the equinoxes day and night are close to 12 hours everywhere. North of the Arctic Circle and south of the Antarctic Circle, the Sun can stay above the horizon (midnight sun) or below it (polar night) for 24 hours or more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is sunrise time calculated?
From the date and the location's latitude and longitude, the calculator works out when the Sun's upper edge crosses the horizon, including the effect of atmospheric refraction, then converts it to local time.
Why is day length not exactly 12 hours on the equinox?
Sunrise and sunset are measured from the Sun's upper edge and refraction lifts its image, so daylight on the equinox is a few minutes longer than 12 hours.
Does elevation change sunrise time?
Yes -- from a mountaintop or aircraft you see the Sun slightly earlier and later. Standard sunrise tables assume sea-level observation.