Golden Hour at Taj Mahal
Uttar Pradesh, India — Marble mausoleum that glows pink at sunrise and gold at sunset.
Golden hour at Taj Mahal varies from 35 minutes in the morning to 35 minutes in the evening during peak months (December, January, June). Sunrise ranges from 07:08 in January to 06:59 in December. Marble mausoleum that glows pink at sunrise and gold at sunset. 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 | 07:08 | 17:45 | 34m | 34m | 113° ESE | 247° WSW |
| Feb | 06:54 | 18:09 | 32m | 32m | 104° ESE | 256° WSW |
| Mar | 06:27 | 18:26 | 31m | 31m | 92° E | 268° W |
| Apr | 05:54 | 18:42 | 31m | 31m | 79° ENE | 282° WNW |
| May | 05:29 | 18:58 | 33m | 33m | 68° ENE | 292° WNW |
| Jun | 05:23 | 19:13 | 34m | 34m | 63° ENE | 297° WNW |
| Jul | 05:32 | 19:14 | 33m | 33m | 65° ENE | 295° WNW |
| Aug | 05:48 | 18:55 | 32m | 32m | 74° ENE | 286° WNW |
| Sep | 06:03 | 18:22 | 31m | 31m | 86° E | 274° W |
| Oct | 06:17 | 17:49 | 31m | 31m | 99° E | 261° W |
| Nov | 06:37 | 17:26 | 33m | 33m | 110° ESE | 249° WSW |
| Dec | 06:59 | 17:26 | 35m | 35m | 116° ESE | 244° 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 Taj Mahal
Hours of Milky Way core visibility per month (galactic center above horizon during astronomical darkness). Peak: May
| Month | Dark Sky Hours with MW Core |
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| Jan | |
| Feb | |
| Mar | |
| Apr | |
| May | |
| Jun | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
- When is golden hour at Taj Mahal?
- Golden hour at Taj Mahal varies by season. The longest golden hour sessions are in December, January, June. Morning golden hour lasts 35m and evening 35m during the peak month.
- What time is sunrise at Taj Mahal?
- Sunrise ranges from 07:08 in January to 06:59 in December.
- What direction does the sun rise and set at Taj Mahal?
- Sunrise bearing shifts from 116° ESE in winter to 63° ENE in summer. Sunset shifts from 244° WSW to 297° WNW.
- What is the best time of year to photograph Taj Mahal?
- For golden hour photography, the best months are December, January, June when golden hour is longest. For Milky Way photography, the best months are May, June, April.
- What time should I arrive to photograph sunrise at Taj Mahal?
- Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunrise to catch blue hour and set up. In January, that means arriving by 06:28. 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 Taj Mahal?
- 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 Taj Mahal?
- Yes, the Milky Way core is visible from Taj Mahal during May, June, April. Best visibility requires clear skies and minimal light pollution. Use Heliora to check exact times for your visit date.
- Is Taj Mahal good for astrophotography?
- Taj Mahal has up to 5 hours of dark sky with the Milky Way core visible during peak months (May, June, April). Check local light pollution conditions and plan around the new moon for best results.
Nearby Locations
- Bagan 1830 km
- Ha Long Bay 3033 km
- Angkor Wat 3087 km
- Zhangjiajie 3172 km
- Petra 4143 km