Blue hour is the twilight period when the sun is below the horizon but the sky retains a deep blue glow. This magical time provides even, atmospheric lighting that's perfect for cityscapes, landscapes, and creative photography.
Blue hour occurs twice daily: just before sunrise (civil dawn to sunrise) and just after sunset (sunset to civil dusk). Unlike golden hour, blue hour light is cooler and more even, without strong directional shadows.
While golden hour provides warm, directional light, blue hour offers cool, diffused illumination. Many photographers use both in sequence - see our detailed comparison guide to understand when to use each lighting condition.
Blue hour is ideal for:
Check our comprehensive photography guide for specific techniques and camera settings for blue hour shooting.
Blue hour's lower light levels require careful camera settings. You may need a tripod, higher ISO, or slower shutter speeds. Our camera settings guide covers the technical aspects of shooting in these challenging but rewarding conditions.
Successful blue hour photography requires precise timing. Use our homepage to find exact blue hour times for your location, or browse major UK cities. Our shoot planning guide helps you prepare for these brief but magical moments.
Like golden hour, blue hour duration and quality change throughout the year. Our UK seasonal guide explains how these variations affect your photography and planning.
Ready to plan your next blue hour session? Find today's blue hour times for any UK postcode or browse our places directory. Each location page shows precise sunrise, sunset, and twilight times to help you capture the perfect shot.