Golden Hour at Erg Chebbi
Merzouga, Sahara, Morocco — Towering orange sand dunes at the edge of the Sahara.
Golden hour at Erg Chebbi varies from 37 minutes in the morning to 37 minutes in the evening during peak months (December, January, June). Sunrise ranges from 08:14 in January to 08:06 in December. Towering orange sand dunes at the edge of the Sahara. 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 | 08:14 | 18:36 | 36m | 36m | 114° ESE | 246° WSW |
| Feb | 06:57 | 18:03 | 33m | 33m | 104° ESE | 256° WSW |
| Mar | 06:26 | 18:24 | 32m | 32m | 92° E | 268° W |
| Apr | 06:48 | 19:44 | 32m | 32m | 78° ENE | 282° WNW |
| May | 06:20 | 20:04 | 34m | 34m | 67° ENE | 293° WNW |
| Jun | 06:11 | 20:21 | 35m | 35m | 62° ENE | 298° WNW |
| Jul | 06:22 | 20:21 | 35m | 35m | 64° ENE | 296° WNW |
| Aug | 06:41 | 19:58 | 33m | 33m | 73° ENE | 287° WNW |
| Sep | 07:00 | 19:21 | 32m | 32m | 86° E | 274° W |
| Oct | 07:18 | 18:44 | 33m | 33m | 99° E | 260° W |
| Nov | 07:42 | 18:18 | 35m | 35m | 111° ESE | 249° WSW |
| Dec | 08:06 | 18:15 | 37m | 37m | 117° ESE | 243° 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 Erg Chebbi
Hours of Milky Way core visibility per month (galactic center above horizon during astronomical darkness). Peak: June
| Month | Dark Sky Hours with MW Core |
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| Jan | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
- When is golden hour at Erg Chebbi?
- Golden hour at Erg Chebbi varies by season. The longest golden hour sessions are in December, January, June. Morning golden hour lasts 37m and evening 37m during the peak month.
- What time is sunrise at Erg Chebbi?
- Sunrise ranges from 08:14 in January to 08:06 in December.
- What direction does the sun rise and set at Erg Chebbi?
- Sunrise bearing shifts from 117° ESE in winter to 62° ENE in summer. Sunset shifts from 243° WSW to 298° WNW.
- What is the best time of year to photograph Erg Chebbi?
- 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, May, July.
- What time should I arrive to photograph sunrise at Erg Chebbi?
- Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunrise to catch blue hour and set up. In January, that means arriving by 07:34. 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 Erg Chebbi?
- 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 Erg Chebbi?
- Yes, the Milky Way core is visible from Erg Chebbi during June, May, July. Best visibility requires clear skies and minimal light pollution. Use Heliora to check exact times for your visit date.
- Is Erg Chebbi good for astrophotography?
- Erg Chebbi has up to 6 hours of dark sky with the Milky Way core visible during peak months (June, May, July). Check local light pollution conditions and plan around the new moon for best results.
Nearby Locations
- Pico do Arieiro 1232 km
- Teide National Park 1259 km
- Roque de los Muchachos 1361 km
- Cinque Terre 1883 km
- Matterhorn 1938 km