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.

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	06:04	18:34	12h 30m
Chongqing	China	06:35	19:06	12h 31m
Shanghai	China	05:36	18:09	12h 33m
Dhaka	Bangladesh	05:44	18:09	12h 25m
Mexico City	Mexico	06:24	18:46	12h 22m
Beijing	China	05:51	18:34	12h 43m
Cairo	Egypt	06:38	19:09	12h 31m
Mumbai	India	06:26	18:47	12h 21m
Guangzhou	China	06:13	18:38	12h 25m
Karachi	Pakistan	06:17	18:43	12h 26m
Istanbul	Turkey	06:40	19:24	12h 44m
Lagos	Nigeria	06:39	18:51	12h 12m

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.

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