Sunrise and Sunset

Sunrise and Sunset is an open API that provides information on the length of daylight, twilight, sunrise, and sunset times for locations around the world.

What Exactly Are Sunrise and Sunset?

It’s worth noting that both sunrise and sunset are "moments." The period between day turning into night or night turning into day is called twilight. We can distinguish between dawn (occurring between daybreak and sunrise) and dusk (occurring between sunset and nightfall). The duration of twilight actually depends on our location on Earth and the time of year. For example, in the Arctic and Antarctic latitudes, the night is never completely dark during winter.

Sunrise refers to the moment in the morning when the upper edge of the sun becomes visible above the eastern horizon. It is also known as daybreak.

Sunset refers to the moment in the evening when the trailing edge of the sun is no longer visible and disappears below the western horizon.

What Is Daylight Length?

You may have noticed that the length of daylight (daylight duration) changes throughout the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, days are longer in summer and shorter in winter, with dusk arriving earlier. Daylight length also varies with latitude—the higher the latitude in winter, the shorter the day.

Our tool will accurately inform you about how long the daylight lasts on a specific day in any location worldwide and how daylight length changes throughout the year.

Interestingly, due to the slowing rotation of the Earth, the length of a day gradually increases over time. A century ago, the average day was 1.7 milliseconds shorter than it is now.

Who Might Need to Check Sunrise and Sunset Times?

Photographers

Sunrise and sunset create perfect natural lighting for photos and film shoots.

Astronomers

Explore the fascinating changes in the sky during the wonders of twilight.

Explorers

Plan hikes around sunrise or sunset to make the most of your day.

Golfers

Know when to book tee times at your favorite golf course.

Lovers

Prepare for a romantic date watching the sunrise or sunset together.