Best Cities for Blue Hour Photography
Blue hour is the 20 to 30 minute window after sunset (and before sunrise) when the sun is 4 to 6 degrees below the horizon. The deep blue sky perfectly balances with artificial city lights, creating the ideal conditions for cityscape photography. These cities combine dramatic skylines with blue hour to create world-class photography opportunities.
City Comparison: Today's Times
| City | Country | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | India | 06:42 | 18:25 | 11h 42m |
| Chongqing | China | 07:13 | 18:56 | 11h 43m |
| Shanghai | China | 06:16 | 17:57 | 11h 41m |
| Dhaka | Bangladesh | 06:17 | 18:04 | 11h 47m |
| Mexico City | Mexico | 06:53 | 18:44 | 11h 51m |
| Beijing | China | 06:40 | 18:13 | 11h 32m |
| Cairo | Egypt | 06:17 | 17:58 | 11h 41m |
| Mumbai | India | 06:55 | 18:46 | 11h 51m |
| Guangzhou | China | 06:45 | 18:33 | 11h 49m |
| Karachi | Pakistan | 06:51 | 18:37 | 11h 46m |
| Istanbul | Turkey | 07:32 | 19:01 | 11h 29m |
| Lagos | Nigeria | 06:58 | 19:00 | 12h 01m |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is blue hour?
- Blue hour is the twilight period when the sun is between 4 and 6 degrees below the horizon. Scattered sunlight produces a deep blue sky while city lights begin to illuminate, creating naturally balanced ambient light.
- How long does blue hour last?
- Blue hour typically lasts 20 to 40 minutes, depending on latitude and season. High-latitude cities in summer have longer blue hours because the sun moves at a shallower angle below the horizon.
- What camera settings should I use for blue hour?
- Start with ISO 200 to 400, f/8, and a 2-second exposure. Use a tripod, shoot RAW, and set white balance to Daylight (5500K) rather than Auto to preserve the blue tones.