Sunrise Sunset Calculator

Category: Physics
- March 23, 2025
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Calculate the sunrise and sunset times for any location around the world. Simply enter your location details or use your current position.

Location Settings

Date Settings

Display Options

About Sunrise and Sunset

Sunrise and sunset times vary depending on location, date, and various astronomical factors. The exact times are calculated based on the position of the sun relative to the horizon.

Factors Affecting Sunrise and Sunset Times
  • Latitude: The closer to the poles, the more extreme the variations in day length throughout the year.
  • Time of Year: The seasons affect day length, with longer days in summer and shorter in winter (reversed in the Southern Hemisphere).
  • Altitude: Higher elevations can see the sun earlier at sunrise and later at sunset.
  • Atmospheric Refraction: The atmosphere bends light, making the sun visible before it physically rises above the horizon.
Special Cases
  • Polar Day (Midnight Sun): Above the Arctic Circle and below the Antarctic Circle, the sun may not set for days or weeks during summer.
  • Polar Night: Conversely, the sun may not rise for extended periods during winter in these regions.
  • Equinox: Around March 21 and September 22, day and night are approximately equal worldwide.
  • Solstice: Around June 21 (summer in Northern Hemisphere) and December 21 (winter in Northern Hemisphere), day length reaches its maximum or minimum.

What Is the Sunrise and Sunset Calculator?

The Sunrise and Sunset Calculator helps you determine the exact times the sun will rise and set at any location and date you choose. It’s based on astronomical calculations that consider the Earth's rotation, position, and atmospheric effects. This tool is ideal for photographers, travelers, outdoor planners, or anyone curious about daylight hours and solar events.

Formula Used

Sunrise and Sunset times are calculated using the solar hour angle (H) and declination (δ):

\[ \cos(H) = \frac{\cos(90.833^\circ) - \sin(\phi) \cdot \sin(\delta)}{\cos(\phi) \cdot \cos(\delta)} \]

Where:

  • \(\phi\) = Latitude
  • \(\delta\) = Solar declination
  • 90.833° accounts for atmospheric refraction and the sun's radius

Sample Coordinates for Popular Locations

You can use the following latitude and longitude values to quickly calculate sunrise and sunset times in these countries. Copy and paste them into the calculator:

  • United States (New York): 40.7128, -74.0060
  • Canada (Toronto): 43.6510, -79.3470
  • Brazil (Rio de Janeiro): -22.9068, -43.1729
  • United Kingdom (London): 51.5072, -0.1276
  • Germany (Berlin): 52.5200, 13.4050
  • France (Paris): 48.8566, 2.3522
  • Italy (Rome): 41.9028, 12.4964
  • South Africa (Cape Town): -33.9249, 18.4241
  • India (New Delhi): 28.6139, 77.2090
  • China (Beijing): 39.9042, 116.4074
  • Japan (Tokyo): 35.6895, 139.6917
  • Australia (Sydney): -33.8688, 151.2093
  • New Zealand (Auckland): -36.8485, 174.7633
  • Russia (Moscow): 55.7558, 37.6173
  • Mexico (Mexico City): 19.4326, -99.1332
  • Argentina (Buenos Aires): -34.6037, -58.3816
  • Egypt (Cairo): 30.0444, 31.2357
  • Turkey (Istanbul): 41.0082, 28.9784
  • Indonesia (Jakarta): -6.2088, 106.8456
  • Saudi Arabia (Riyadh): 24.7136, 46.6753

How to Use the Calculator

Follow these steps to get accurate sunrise and sunset information:

  • Enter your location: Provide latitude and longitude coordinates. Use negative values for south or west directions.
  • Select the date: Choose the calendar date you're interested in.
  • Set your timezone: Pick the correct UTC offset for your location.
  • Choose additional options: You can include twilight types, time formats (12h or 24h), and whether to show visualizations or extra daylight details.
  • Click "Calculate": View sunrise, sunset, solar noon, total daylight, and twilight times instantly.
  • Use your current location: Tap the “Use Current Location” button to auto-fill your coordinates (if location permissions are allowed).

Key Features

  • Accurate sunrise and sunset times for any global location
  • Options for civil, nautical, and astronomical twilight
  • Clear breakdown of solar noon, daylight duration, and current sun position
  • Visual sun path diagram for better understanding of solar movement
  • Daylight information updated instantly upon user input

Why It’s Useful

This tool provides helpful information for planning outdoor activities, travel, photography sessions, and understanding natural light availability. It can also support daily routines, agriculture planning, or even religious observances that rely on specific solar times.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does “civil twilight” mean?

It’s the time when the sun is just below the horizon (6°), and there’s enough natural light for most activities without artificial lighting.

Why are the sunrise and sunset times not available at certain locations?

This can happen near the polar regions where the sun may stay above or below the horizon for 24 hours during certain times of the year (polar day or night).

Does the calculator account for daylight saving time?

It uses standard time based on your selected timezone. You’ll need to manually adjust for daylight saving if it applies.

Can I use it on mobile devices?

Yes, the calculator is fully responsive and works on phones, tablets, and desktops.

Is my location data stored?

No. Location access is used only to autofill your coordinates and is not saved or transmitted.

Conclusion

The Sunrise and Sunset Calculator is a practical tool for understanding daylight patterns anywhere on Earth. Whether you’re scheduling a hike, checking sun conditions for photography, or just curious about solar timings, this tool delivers fast and accurate results with a simple interface.