How to find sunrise and sunset times
- Pick a city from the list, tap Use my location, or type latitude and longitude.
- Choose any date, past or future, and check the time zone.
- Read sunrise and sunset with the compass direction, solar noon with the sun's highest angle, day length and when civil twilight ends.
How sunrise and sunset are defined
Sunrise and sunset are the moments when the top edge of the sun touches a flat horizon. Because the atmosphere bends light, you can see the sun when it is actually about 0.57° below the horizon, and the sun's disc has a radius of about 0.27°, so calculations use a sun-centre elevation of −0.833°. This calculator uses the NOAA solar position equations and checks the sun's height every minute of the day, which matches official almanacs to within about a minute for most places.
Civil twilight lasts until the sun is 6° below the horizon; until then there is usually enough light for outdoor activities without lights. Day length changes fastest around the equinoxes in March and September and slowest around the solstices. Near the poles the sun may not rise or set at all; the calculator reports polar night or midnight sun. Local terrain, buildings and elevation can shift what you see by several minutes.
FAQ
Why is sunset not exactly 12 hours after sunrise?
Day length depends on latitude and season. Only at the equator, and everywhere at the equinoxes, is it close to 12 hours.
What time zone are the times in?
The time zone shown in the selector, which is set automatically for listed cities. Daylight saving time is included.
When is the shortest day of the year?
Around 21 December in the northern hemisphere and 21 June in the southern hemisphere.