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Free online calculator

Sunrise & sunset by location

The solar calculator searches worldwide locations and calculates sunrise, sunset and day length for the chosen local date.

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Detailed guide

How to use the sunrise & sunset by location

Solar times for a specific location

Sunrise and sunset can differ substantially within one country, so this tool uses geographic coordinates rather than a country alone. The place search supplies latitude, longitude and the associated IANA time zone for the selected result.

The solar events are then calculated locally using PHP’s astronomical sun-position function. Output uses the location time zone and therefore applies the correct daylight-saving or standard time for that date.

What sunrise and sunset represent

The times represent standardized geometric sunrise and sunset. Mountains, buildings, observer elevation and atmospheric conditions can make the Sun visibly appear later or disappear earlier. Weather does not change the astronomical instant but can prevent observation.

Day length is the interval between sunrise and sunset. At high latitudes the Sun may not set or rise on certain dates. Those polar-day and polar-night conditions are reported without inventing a clock time.

Suitable uses and accuracy limits

Solar times support photography, outdoor activities, travel, gardening and daylight planning. Nautical navigation, aviation and safety-critical operations require specialized official or professional sources.

Use a specific place name with country or postal code. When several places share a name, the first result is used and its country, coordinates and zone are shown. Refine the query if those details do not match the intended location.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about sunrise & sunset by location

How is the location found?
Open-Meteo geocoding supplies coordinates and a time zone; the application then calculates the solar events locally.
Is daylight-saving time included?
Yes. The location’s IANA time zone determines the local offset on the selected date.
Why can the visible time differ?
Horizon, mountains, buildings, elevation and atmospheric conditions influence actual visibility.
What happens during polar day or night?
The astronomical status is shown and no fabricated sunrise or sunset time is displayed.
Can I enter a postal code?
Yes. The search accepts place names and postal codes; adding the country helps resolve ambiguity.
Is this suitable for navigation?
It supports everyday planning. Safety-critical navigation should rely on authoritative or certified specialist data.