Time soft light with more context
See when golden hour begins and ends, then review the sun path to understand how that light lands on your scene or site.
Soft-light planning
Golden Hour Calculator
Estimate golden hour timing, sun direction, and soft-light windows for any location with a live map, hourly sun path data, and 3D views.
Use this golden hour calculator when you need a better answer than a generic photo app can give. Solar Path Tracker pairs warm-light timing with the live map, hourly solar positions, and 3D daylight context so you can plan the best shooting window for a facade, landscape, or outdoor scene.
Why it helps
What you can answer quickly
Check direction as well as timing
Golden hour quality depends on direction, not just the clock. Use the map and azimuth data to see where the sun sits during the warm-light window.
Plan for location-specific conditions
Switch places and dates quickly to compare soft-light timing for travel, real-estate photography, or outdoor production schedules.
Verify the rest of the day too
Use the same workflow to review sunrise, sunset, and the hourly angle curve when you need broader daylight context around golden hour.
Workflow
How to use the live tool
- 1
Set the location you care about with search, GPS, or manual coordinates.
- 2
Choose the date and review the selected hour, hourly table, and insights panel for warm-light periods.
- 3
Pin moments on the map to compare direction, altitude, and how the scene changes before and after golden hour.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is golden hour the same as sunrise or sunset?
Not exactly. Golden hour is the warm, low-angle light window that usually happens shortly after sunrise and shortly before sunset, but the most useful moment depends on your location and direction of view.
Can I use this for photography and real-estate shoots?
Yes. The page is designed for photographers, creators, and location scouts who want a quick way to anticipate soft-light timing and sun direction before they arrive.
Why do azimuth and altitude still matter for golden hour?
They explain where the sun is and how high it sits above the horizon, which determines whether the light hits a facade directly, skims across it, or disappears behind nearby obstructions.
Related pages
Continue planning
Open the full sun path map
Use the main tool to pin exact moments on the map and compare the entire day.
Sunrise & Sunset Calculator
Start with the day boundaries, then narrow down to the warm-light window.
Solar Azimuth & Altitude Calculator
Review the exact solar angles behind your golden-hour decisions.