Sunrise, Sunset & Solar Noon
Enter a location to get sunrise, sunset, solar noon, and the three twilight stages. Uses the NOAA solar algorithm and accounts for Daylight Saving Time. Free, runs in your browser.
Location & date
Tip: click the map to set the location. Times are shown in the local timezone of the coordinate, including DST if applicable.
How sunrise and sunset times are calculated
The Earth's axial tilt (≈23.44°) and its elliptical orbit combine to shift sunrise and sunset throughout the year. This calculator solves the solar position equations for the given date and location: it computes the solar declination and the equation of time, then finds the instants the sun's upper limb crosses the horizon (accounting for 0.833° of atmospheric refraction and the sun's apparent radius). Twilight times use the same geometry at -6°, -12° and -18° solar elevation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate are the sunrise and sunset times?
The calculation uses the NOAA Solar Calculator algorithm, which is accurate to within ±1 minute for most locations on Earth. Variations come from atmospheric refraction (which bends sunlight over the horizon by about 0.833°) and your actual horizon elevation (mountains, buildings).
What is solar noon?
Solar noon (also called local apparent noon or transit) is the moment the sun reaches its highest point in the sky for the day at your location — the instant a south-facing vertical stick casts its shortest shadow. It is not generally 12:00 on a clock, because clock time is an average across a whole time zone.
What are civil, nautical, and astronomical twilight?
They are the three stages of dawn and dusk defined by how far the sun is below the horizon. Civil twilight (sun 0–6° below): enough light for outdoor activity without artificial light. Nautical twilight (6–12°): the horizon is still visible at sea. Astronomical twilight (12–18°): the sky is dark enough for most astronomical observations.
Does the calculator account for Daylight Saving Time?
Yes. It asks for a date and your timezone (derived from coordinates via our own API), then applies the correct local clock time — including DST if it is in effect on the chosen date.