Time & Date
CalculatorDaylight Duration Calculator
Calculate total daylight hours for any date and GPS location. Enter coordinates or auto-detect your position to get sunrise, sunset, and day versus night duration instantly.
About Daylight Duration Calculator
This daylight calculator uses precise astronomical formulas to show how many hours of sunlight you get for any date and point on Earth. Perfect for photographers, travelers, gardeners, solar planning, and anyone tracking daylight changes through the seasons.
How does the daylight duration calculator work?
The calculator combines your latitude, longitude, and selected date with astronomical algorithms to find sunrise, sunset, solar noon, and daylight duration. It accounts for Earth's tilt, orbital position, and atmospheric refraction to deliver accurate daylight estimates.
Why does daylight length change throughout the year?
Daylight varies because Earth is tilted 23.5° relative to its orbit. When your hemisphere tilts toward the Sun, days are longer and nights shorter. During winter, your hemisphere tilts away, shortening daylight. Equinoxes deliver roughly equal day and night globally.
What if I see 24 hours of daylight or darkness?
Locations near the Arctic and Antarctic Circles can experience polar day (midnight sun) or polar night. The calculator detects these cases and reports 24 hours of daylight or darkness, explaining that the sun remains above or below the horizon all day.
How accurate are the daylight calculations?
Results are typically accurate within one to two minutes of actual sunrise and sunset. Factors such as local terrain, elevation, weather, or obstructions on the horizon can cause slight differences compared to real-world observations.
Can I use this tool for solar energy planning?
Yes. Knowing daylight hours helps estimate potential solar exposure. Combine daylight length with local weather, panel orientation, and shading analysis to build a reliable solar energy plan for any season.