Everyday Utilities

Sunrise & Sunset Calculator

Compute sunrise, sunset, and solar noon for any location and date.

-90 to 90

-180 to 180

Sunrise & Sunset

Sunrise

09:38

Sunset

00:15

Times shown in local timezone.

Solar Noon16:56
Day Length14h 37m

Calculations use the NOAA solar algorithm. Times are approximate and do not account for elevation or atmospheric refraction.

What is the Sunrise & Sunset Calculator?

A sunrise and sunset calculator is a tool that computes the precise local time when the sun's upper edge crosses the horizon at a given geographic location on a specific date. It accounts for latitude, longitude, timezone, and refraction to provide accurate twilight times used by photographers, astronomers, farmers, and outdoor planners.

How it works

The tool uses your latitude, longitude, and date to calculate the sun's position in the sky using solar algorithms. It determines when the sun crosses 0.833° below the horizon (accounting for atmospheric refraction and the sun's angular size), then converts that moment to your local timezone. Modern calculators use NOAA's Solar Position Algorithm or similar astronomical methods, refined over decades for accuracy within 1–2 minutes.

Examples

InputResultNotes
London, UK (51.5°N, 0°W) on 21 June 2024Sunrise: 4:43 AM, Sunset: 9:21 PM (16 hours 38 minutes daylight)Summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere — the longest day of the year
Sydney, Australia (33.9°S, 151.2°E) on 21 December 2024Sunrise: 5:43 AM, Sunset: 8:04 PM (14 hours 21 minutes daylight)Summer solstice in the Southern Hemisphere — approaching maximum daylight
Reykjavik, Iceland (64.1°N, 21.9°W) on 21 March 2024Sunrise: 6:18 AM, Sunset: 6:18 PM (exactly 12 hours)Spring equinox — equal day and night length worldwide

How to use the Sunrise & Sunset Calculator

  1. Enter your location by typing a city name, coordinates, or address — the tool auto-detects your timezone
  2. Select the date (today, a future date, or any past date within the tool's data range)
  3. Click Calculate to retrieve exact sunrise and sunset times for that location and date
  4. Review civil twilight, nautical twilight, and astronomical twilight times if available
  5. Note the total daylight duration and timezone offset
  6. Export or save results if you need to share them with others

Benefits

  • Plan photography sessions at the golden hour — know exactly when soft, warm light peaks
  • Schedule outdoor events with confidence — avoid surprises from early sunsets or late sunrises
  • Track daylight changes throughout the year — understand seasonal variation at your location
  • Support farming and agriculture — optimize harvest and irrigation schedules around daylight
  • Improve sleep and energy — align your routine to natural light cycles for better circadian rhythm
  • Organize hiking and camping trips — ensure you have enough daylight for safe travel

Tips & common mistakes

Common mistakes

  • Using sunrise/sunset times from a different timezone — always check your local timezone is correct
  • Confusing civil twilight with sunrise — civil twilight begins ~20 minutes before sunrise and lasts well after sunset
  • Assuming the same time year-round — sunrise and sunset times shift by 2–3 minutes per day near the solstices
  • Ignoring local terrain — hills, mountains, and tall buildings can make effective sunrise/sunset times earlier or later than calculated

Tips

  • Save your favorite locations (home, office, travel destinations) to check sunrise/sunset times in seconds
  • Use the golden hour window (first 20 minutes after sunrise or last 20 minutes before sunset) for outdoor photography
  • Cross-reference results with local weather forecasts — sunrise time is irrelevant if clouds block the view
  • Check the date's twilight details if you're doing astrophotography or stargazing — astronomical twilight is when the sky is truly dark

Frequently asked questions

How accurate is the Sunrise & Sunset Calculator?

Modern calculators are accurate to within 1–2 minutes for most locations. Accuracy depends on precise latitude/longitude, timezone, and atmospheric conditions. Extreme latitudes (above 66°N or S) and elevated terrain may show larger variations.

What's the difference between civil, nautical, and astronomical twilight?

Civil twilight (sun 6° below horizon) is when it's still light enough to see without artificial light. Nautical twilight (12° below) is when the horizon is visible. Astronomical twilight (18° below) marks when full night begins and stars become visible.

Why do sunrise and sunset times change every day?

Earth's tilted axis means the sun's path across the sky shifts throughout the year. Days lengthen toward the summer solstice and shorten toward the winter solstice, changing sunrise/sunset by 2–3 minutes per day near the solstices and 0–1 minute near the equinoxes.

Can I use this tool for locations near the polar circles?

Yes, but results may show continuous daylight (polar day) or 24-hour darkness (polar night) near the solstices above 66.5°N or S. The tool will flag these edge cases.

Do I need to account for daylight saving time?

The calculator automatically adjusts for daylight saving time if your timezone observes it. Check that your location's timezone setting is correct before calculating.

How far in advance can I plan using this tool?

Most calculators work reliably for dates 100+ years in the past or future, though extreme dates may be less accurate. For practical planning, use dates within 10 years of today.

Related tools

FreeTooz Editorial Team · Last reviewed July 2026

Reviewed for accuracy. Results are estimates for general information and are not professional (medical, financial or legal) advice.