Knowing when the light is right makes the difference between a good photograph and a great one. In Iceland, golden hour and blue hour follow different rules than anywhere else — in summer, golden hour can last for hours; in winter, the entire day feels like blue hour.
This calculator gives you exact times for sunrise, sunset, golden hour and blue hour at 15 Iceland photography locations. Select your destination and date to plan your shoot — whether you are chasing the midnight sun in June, the first aurora window in September, or the dramatic winter light of February.
All times are in Iceland Time (UTC, year-round — Iceland does not observe daylight saving time).
Light is one of three variables. The other two have their own tools: the tide decides what a coastal location gives you, and the moon decides how dark your night actually is.
Plan your Iceland photography trip
Use the light times above to plan your shoot, then explore our location guides for composition tips, access information and Leave No Trace advice:
- Iceland Tide Calculator — tidal range for Reynisfjara, Diamond Beach, Vestrahorn and Hvítserkur
- Iceland Moon Calculator — moon phase, moonrise and moonset, and aurora sky darkness
- Vestrahorn Photography Guide
- Jökulsárlón & Diamond Beach
- Photographing the Westfjords
- How to Photograph the Northern Lights
- Best Time to Visit Iceland for Photography