Sunrise & Sunset Time Today

Why Does Sunrise Time Change Every Day?

Today's sunrise time is different from yesterday's — and it will change again tomorrow. This happens because Earth orbits the Sun on a tilted axis (about 23.5°), meaning different parts of the planet receive sunlight at different angles throughout the year. The result: sunrise and sunset times shift by one to three minutes each day depending on your latitude.

Near the equator, sunrise and sunset times stay relatively stable year-round — typically within 30–60 minutes of each other across all seasons. At higher latitudes (closer to the poles), the variation is dramatic: cities like Oslo or Anchorage can experience nearly 20 hours of daylight in summer and fewer than 6 hours in winter.

What Is Golden Hour?

Golden hour is the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset when sunlight is soft, warm, and diffuse — ideal for photography, outdoor activities, and enjoying natural light. It typically lasts 20–60 minutes depending on your latitude and the time of year. Our city pages show exact golden hour times alongside sunrise and sunset.

What Is Civil Twilight?

Civil twilight begins before sunrise (when the sun is 6° below the horizon) and ends after sunset at the same angle. During civil twilight, there is enough natural light for most outdoor activities without artificial lighting. It's the period when it's technically light outside but the sun isn't visible yet.