Golden hour is the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset when the sun is low in the sky, casting a soft, warm, golden light. This light is ideal for photography, filmmaking, and simply enjoying beautiful landscapes.
During golden hour, sunlight passes through more of the atmosphere, scattering blue light and leaving a warm glow. Shadows are softer, colors are richer, and everything looks more magical. This is quite different from blue hour, which has its own unique characteristics.
Golden hour occurs twice a day: after sunrise and before sunset. The exact times depend on your location and the date. Find today's golden hour for your postcode or town, or browse our major UK cities.
Golden hour is beloved by photographers for its flattering light quality. Check our comprehensive golden hour photography tips to make the most of these magical moments.
Many photographers shoot during both golden and blue hour for variety. Learn about the differences between golden hour and blue hour to plan your perfect shoot.
Timing is everything with golden hour photography. Our shoot planning guide helps you prepare, and our seasonal guide shows how golden hour changes throughout the year in the UK.