Golden Hour at Bryce Canyon
Utah, United States — Amphitheaters of red and orange hoodoos under dark skies.
Golden hour at Bryce Canyon varies from 41 minutes in the morning to 41 minutes in the evening during peak months (December, January, June). Sunrise ranges from 07:42 in January to 07:36 in December. Amphitheaters of red and orange hoodoos under dark skies. This guide shows computed sunrise, sunset, and golden hour times for every month of the year, with compass bearings to help you plan your composition. Milky Way core visibility data is included for astrophotography planning. All times are calculated with a precision astronomical engine. Use Heliora to see terrain-adjusted times from any exact vantage point.
Monthly Sun Times & Golden Hour
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Gold AM | Gold PM | Sunrise ° | Sunset ° |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 07:42 | 17:33 | 40m | 40m | 116° ESE | 244° WSW |
| Feb | 07:17 | 18:07 | 36m | 36m | 105° ESE | 255° WSW |
| Mar | 07:39 | 19:35 | 35m | 35m | 92° E | 268° W |
| Apr | 06:53 | 20:03 | 35m | 35m | 77° ENE | 283° WNW |
| May | 06:19 | 20:30 | 37m | 37m | 65° ENE | 295° WNW |
| Jun | 06:06 | 20:51 | 39m | 39m | 59° ENE | 301° WNW |
| Jul | 06:19 | 20:50 | 38m | 38m | 62° ENE | 298° WNW |
| Aug | 06:44 | 20:22 | 36m | 36m | 72° ENE | 289° WNW |
| Sep | 07:10 | 19:37 | 35m | 34m | 86° E | 275° W |
| Oct | 07:37 | 18:52 | 35m | 35m | 100° E | 260° W |
| Nov | 07:08 | 17:18 | 38m | 38m | 113° ESE | 247° WSW |
| Dec | 07:36 | 17:11 | 41m | 41m | 119° ESE | 241° WSW |
Best months for golden hour: December, January, June. Times shown for the 15th of each month.
See the sun's path with real terrain horizon for any date
Milky Way Visibility at Bryce Canyon
Hours of Milky Way core visibility per month (galactic center above horizon during astronomical darkness). Peak: June
| Month | Dark Sky Hours with MW Core |
|---|---|
| Jan | |
| Feb | |
| Mar | |
| Apr | |
| May | |
| Jun | |
| Jul | |
| Aug | |
| Sep | |
| Oct | |
| Nov | |
| Dec |
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is golden hour at Bryce Canyon?
- Golden hour at Bryce Canyon varies by season. The longest golden hour sessions are in December, January, June. Morning golden hour lasts 41m and evening 41m during the peak month.
- What time is sunrise at Bryce Canyon?
- Sunrise ranges from 07:42 in January to 07:36 in December.
- What direction does the sun rise and set at Bryce Canyon?
- Sunrise bearing shifts from 119° ESE in winter to 59° ENE in summer. Sunset shifts from 241° WSW to 301° WNW.
- What is the best time of year to photograph Bryce Canyon?
- For golden hour photography, the best months are December, January, June when golden hour is longest. For Milky Way photography, the best months are June, July, August.
- What time should I arrive to photograph sunrise at Bryce Canyon?
- Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunrise to catch blue hour and set up. In January, that means arriving by 07:02. Use Heliora to check terrain-adjusted sunrise, as mountains may delay the actual moment the sun appears.
- Does the terrain affect sunrise or sunset times at Bryce Canyon?
- Yes. Mountains, ridges, and buildings can delay sunrise or bring sunset earlier than flat-earth calculations show. Use Heliora to see the real terrain horizon from any exact viewpoint and get terrain-adjusted sun times.
- Can you see the Milky Way from Bryce Canyon?
- Yes, the Milky Way core is visible from Bryce Canyon during June, July, August. Best visibility requires clear skies and minimal light pollution. Use Heliora to check exact times for your visit date.
- Is Bryce Canyon good for astrophotography?
- Bryce Canyon has up to 2 hours of dark sky with the Milky Way core visible during peak months (June, July, August). Check local light pollution conditions and plan around the new moon for best results.
Nearby Locations
- Zion National Park 81 km
- Horseshoe Bend 99 km
- Antelope Canyon 109 km
- Grand Canyon South Rim 171 km
- Monument Valley 196 km