Golden hour near Denver.

When the best light is, month by month, why it comes earlier in the foothills, and how to plan your photos around it.

Start reading Photo sessions

What golden hour is

The last hour or two before the sun goes down, when the light turns warm and soft.

  1. Low, warm sunThe light comes in from the side instead of from above, so faces glow and nobody squints.
  2. Soft shadowsNo harsh lines under the eyes, the kind you get at midday.
  3. Glowing hair and skiesWith the sun behind you, hair and fur light up, and the clouds often turn pink and orange.
Mily in silhouette watching an orange sunset glow behind the snow-dusted peaks and layered ridges

Why it comes early in the foothills

Sunset times you see online are for a flat horizon. West of Denver, the sun drops behind the mountains before that.

From our deck in Genesee, the sun goes behind the Indian Peaks about 20 minutes before the official sunset, a little earlier on days it sets behind the tallest peak. Plan to finish your best shots by then.

Month by month

Approximate times in the middle of each month, Mountain Time. Golden hour is the two hours before the sun goes behind the peaks.

MonthOfficial sunsetBehind the peaks
January5:00 pm4:40 pm
February5:35 pm5:15 pm
March7:05 pm6:45 pm
April7:40 pm7:20 pm
May8:10 pm7:50 pm
June8:30 pm8:10 pm
July8:25 pm8:05 pm
August7:55 pm7:35 pm
September7:10 pm6:50 pm
October6:20 pm6:00 pm
November4:45 pm4:25 pm
December4:35 pm4:15 pm

Times shift a few minutes through each month, and about an hour when the clocks change in early March and early November. For an exact date, use the golden-hour checker on our photo sessions page.

The flagstone patio and lawn under glowing string lights at blue hour

After the sun: blue hour

For 20 to 30 minutes after sunset the sky turns deep blue. It's lovely with string lights, and the peaks often keep a pink edge.

Snow-covered Indian Peaks glowing pink in the early morning above a frosted ponderosa forest

In the morning

The sun rises behind the house, so the first light hits the peaks and turns them pink while the deck is still in soft shade. Mornings are quiet and the air is often clearest.

Tips for a golden-hour session

  1. Arrive earlyCome 15 minutes before your start so you're ready when the light is.
  2. Save the view for lastStart in the forest and on the patio, and end on the deck as the sun nears the peaks.
  3. Don't fear the cloudsSome of the best skies come right before or after a storm. A clear night gives soft, even light; a cloudy one can light up.
  4. Bring a layerAt 7,630 feet it cools off fast once the sun is gone.

Plan around the light with us

Tell us your date and we'll send you the golden-hour window for that day.

Check a date Photo sessions

More photo guides