Blue Hour in Bamako Today
Saturday, March 7
This evening's blue hour in Bamako runs from 19:04 to 19:29 (25 minutes). Blue hour begins after sunset (18:43) when the sun drops 4 to 6 degrees below the horizon and the sky glows deep blue.
Evening Blue Hour
Morning Blue Hour
What is Blue Hour?
- Definition
- Blue hour is the twilight period when the sun is between 4 and 6 degrees below the horizon. The scattered sunlight illuminates the upper atmosphere in deep indigo and blue, creating naturally balanced ambient light ideal for photography.
- When it occurs
- Twice daily: after sunset during civil twilight (evening blue hour), and before sunrise during civil twilight (morning blue hour). In Bamako, the evening window runs from 19:04 to 19:29.
- Duration at Bamako
- Approximately 25 minutes per session. Duration varies by latitude and season. At 12.6 degrees latitude, Bamako has consistent blue hour durations throughout the year.
Blue Hour vs Golden Hour
| Blue Hour | Golden Hour | |
|---|---|---|
| Sky color | Deep indigo and blue | Warm orange and red |
| Sun position | 4 to 6 degrees below horizon | 0 to 6 degrees above horizon |
| Light quality | Soft, diffused, even | Directional, warm, raking |
| Best for | Cityscapes, architecture, water reflections | Portraits, landscapes, long shadows |
| Artificial lights | Buildings lit, sky balanced | Competing with warm sunlight |
How to Photograph Blue Hour in Bamako
- 1
Arrive before sunset
Be in position at 18:43, 20 to 30 minutes before blue hour begins at 19:04. Scout your composition while there is still light.
- 2
Set camera to manual mode
Start with ISO 200 to 400, aperture f/8 to f/11, and a 2-second exposure. Increase exposure time as light fades; you may reach 15 to 30 seconds by the end of blue hour.
- 3
Use a tripod
Mandatory for blue hour photography. Long exposures of 2 to 30 seconds require complete camera stability. Use a remote shutter release or 2-second self-timer.
- 4
Shoot in RAW format
RAW preserves the full blue tone range. Set white balance to Daylight (5500K) rather than Auto, which will incorrectly warm the blue tones.
- 5
Work efficiently
Blue hour in Bamako lasts approximately 25 minutes. You have time for 15 to 20 compositions. Pre-scout your angles before the light arrives.