Sunrise Sunset Calculator
Calculate exact sunrise and sunset times for any location worldwide using date, latitude, longitude, and timezone. Includes atmospheric refraction correction, solar noon, and day length.
About This Calculator
The Sunrise Sunset Calculator computes the exact times of sunrise and sunset for any location on Earth based on date, latitude, longitude, and timezone. Whether you are a photographer planning golden hour and blue hour shots, an astronomer scheduling observations, a gardener timing planting activities, or simply curious about when the Sun will rise and set at your location, this tool provides accurate results using the standard NOAA Solar Calculator algorithm.
The calculation works by first determining the Sun's position in the sky — its declination and right ascension — based on the day of the year and Earth's orbital parameters. Using the observer's latitude and the Sun's declination, the hour angle at sunrise and sunset is computed. For sunrise, the hour angle is subtracted from 360 degrees; for sunset it is used directly. The results are converted to local time by accounting for the observer's longitude and timezone offset. The calculator provides both uncorrected times (geometric horizon at 90 degrees) and corrected times accounting for atmospheric refraction (which bends sunlight and makes the Sun appear higher, giving about 6 extra minutes of daylight) and the Sun's apparent diameter using a zenith angle of 90.833 degrees.
The calculator also displays solar noon (the midpoint between sunrise and sunset when the Sun reaches its highest point) and total day length. It correctly handles polar regions: locations above the Arctic Circle or below the Antarctic Circle experience polar day (midnight sun) during summer and polar night during winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are sunrise and sunset times calculated?
Sunrise and sunset times are calculated using the Sun's position based on Earth's orbit and rotation. The calculator uses the day number, latitude, longitude, and timezone to compute the Sun's declination, right ascension, and hour angle. For sunrise, the hour angle is subtracted from 360 degrees; for sunset it is used directly. Results are converted to local time accounting for longitude and timezone offset.
What is the difference between uncorrected and corrected times?
The uncorrected time assumes the Sun rises or sets when its center reaches the geometric horizon at 90 degrees from the zenith. The corrected time accounts for atmospheric refraction (which bends sunlight and makes the Sun appear higher) and the Sun's apparent diameter, using a zenith angle of 90.833 degrees. Refraction gives approximately 6 extra minutes of daylight.
What is solar noon?
Solar noon is the moment when the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky, crossing the local meridian. It is the midpoint between sunrise and sunset, and it rarely coincides with 12:00 PM on clocks due to timezone and daylight saving adjustments. Knowing solar noon helps in calculating day length and understanding the Sun's daily arc.
Why do sunrise and sunset times change throughout the year?
Sunrise and sunset times change because Earth's axis is tilted 23.45 degrees relative to its orbital plane. As Earth orbits the Sun, the declination of the Sun varies between +23.45 and -23.45 degrees, causing the Sun's apparent path to shift. This results in earlier sunrises and later sunsets in summer, and the opposite in winter.
Can there be no sunrise or sunset at some locations?
Yes, locations near the poles experience polar day (midnight sun) where the Sun never sets for several weeks during summer, and polar night where it never rises during winter. This occurs when the Sun's declination exceeds 90 degrees minus the latitude, making the hour angle calculation impossible.
How accurate is this sunrise sunset calculator?
This calculator uses the standard NOAA Solar Calculator algorithm with atmospheric refraction correction. Results are typically accurate to within 1-2 minutes for most locations. Accuracy depends on correct latitude, longitude, and timezone input. The atmospheric refraction correction improves accuracy near the horizon.
What is the relationship between day length and latitude?
Day length varies with latitude and time of year. At the equator, day length is roughly 12 hours year-round. As you move toward the poles, day length varies more dramatically — longer days in summer and shorter days in winter. Beyond the polar circles (66.5 degrees), you can experience 24-hour daylight or darkness depending on the season.