Golden hour and light for photographers in Copenhagen
Overcast: no golden hour, but the whole day works like a big softbox, great for portraits.
16°overcast, feels 16°, wind 11 km/h
Soft, diffused light. Overcast: no golden hour, but the whole day works like a big softbox, great for portraits.
| Window | Time | Cloud | Light |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue hour, morning | 06:37–06:51 | 100 % | Rain |
| Golden hour, morning | 06:51–08:03 | 100 % | Rain |
| Golden hour, evening | 17:55–19:07 | 89 % | Soft, diffused light |
| Blue hour, evening | 19:07–19:21 | 89 % | Soft, diffused light |
An outdoor shoot is possible; have a plan B.
7-day shoot planner
Best day for an outdoor shoot: Saturday 3 October (10/10).
| Day | Morning golden | Evening golden | Evening light | Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday 2 October | 06:51–08:03 | 17:55–19:07 | Soft, diffused light | 5/10 |
| Saturday 3 October | 06:53–08:05 | 17:53–19:05 | Colourful sky | 10/10 |
| Sunday 4 October | 06:55–08:07 | 17:50–19:02 | Colourful sky | 10/10 |
| Monday 5 October | 06:57–08:09 | 17:47–18:59 | Soft, diffused light | 5/10 |
| Tuesday 6 October | 06:59–08:12 | 17:44–18:57 | Flat grey light | 8/10 |
| Wednesday 7 October | 07:01–08:14 | 17:42–18:54 | Colourful sky | 10/10 |
| Thursday 8 October | 07:03–08:16 | 17:39–18:52 | Rain | 1/10 |
How we calculate it
The golden hour is when the sun is between 4° below and 6° above the horizon: warm light, long soft shadows. The blue hour is when the sun is 6° to 4° below the horizon: a deep blue sky for city and evening portraits. Times come from the NOAA solar equations for each city; the light quality from the forecast of low, mid and high cloud at that time.
Frequently asked
01When is golden hour today?
Morning 06:51–08:03, Evening 17:55–19:07.
02Can I shoot on an overcast day?
Yes. An even cloud layer works like a huge softbox: soft light with no harsh shadows, flattering for portraits and skin. You just won't get golden-hour colour.