How do I find my latitude?

In the UK, latitude ranges from about 50 degrees (south coast) to 58.5 degrees (north of Scotland). London is approximately 51.5, Manchester 53.5, Edinburgh 56, and Inverness 57.5. You can find the exact latitude of your destination from a map app or OS grid reference.

How accurate is this calculator?

This calculator is accurate to within a few minutes for most UK locations. It uses the solar declination method which accounts for seasonal variation. For precise times (within 1 minute), use a dedicated astronomy app that accounts for atmospheric refraction and local horizon.

What is civil twilight?

Civil twilight is the period when the sun is between 0 and 6 degrees below the horizon. There is enough natural light to see without a torch. It starts before sunrise (civil dawn) and ends after sunset (civil dusk). This is useful for planning early starts or late finishes on the trail.

Golden hour is the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset when the sun is low on the horizon, producing warm, diffused light. It is prized by photographers and is also the most pleasant time for hiking, with less direct UV exposure.

How much daylight variation is there across the UK?

Significant variation exists. In June, the south coast gets about 16 hours of daylight while northern Scotland gets over 18. In December, this reverses to about 8 hours in the south and just 6 in the far north. Plan your trip timing accordingly.

CampCalcs

Sunrise & Sunset Calculator

Calculate daylight hours, golden hour and hiking windows for your trip.

Latitude

UK: 50-59, negative for southern hemisphere

Number of Days

Number of days

Start Month

1=Jan, 6=Jun, 12=Dec

Start Day

Enter the start day

How We Calculate This

Solar Calculation

Sunrise and sunset times are calculated from latitude and solar declination using standard astronomical formulas. The solar declination varies throughout the year, creating the seasonal daylight changes.

Trip Planning

Recommended hiking start: 30 minutes after sunrise. Recommended stop: 1 hour before sunset (allows time to set up camp in daylight).

Frequently Asked Questions

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Estimate walking time using Naismith's rule with Tranter's corrections for fitness.

Last updated: March 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify conditions and use proper safety equipment outdoors.