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Sun Times in Istanbul
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is sunrise in Istanbul?
Sunrise in Istanbul on Friday, August 28, 2026 is at 6:25 AM (Europe/Istanbul). This time is calculated from the city's coordinates.
What time is sunset in Istanbul?
Sunset in Istanbul on Friday, August 28, 2026 is at 7:45 PM (Europe/Istanbul). This time is calculated from the city's coordinates.
When is golden hour in Istanbul?
Morning golden hour in Istanbul ends at 7:02 AM. Evening golden hour starts at 7:08 PM.
How long is the day in Istanbul?
On Friday, August 28, 2026 in Istanbul there are 13 hours and 19 minutes of daylight between sunrise and sunset.
What time is the sun at its highest point in Istanbul?
The sun reaches its highest point (solar noon) in Istanbul at 1:05 PM (Europe/Istanbul). This is when the sun crosses the meridian and shadows are at their shortest.
What time does it get dark in Istanbul?
In Istanbul, sunset is at 7:45 PM and it gets fully dark (astronomical dusk) at 9:23 PM (Europe/Istanbul). Civil twilight ends at 8:13 PM when outdoor activities need artificial light.
How long does twilight last in Istanbul?
Twilight in Istanbul lasts approximately 99 minutes from sunset to full darkness (astronomical dusk). This includes civil twilight, nautical twilight, and astronomical twilight.
What is the earliest sunrise of the year in Istanbul?
The earliest sunrise in Istanbul in 2026 is at 5:31 AM on June 9 (Europe/Istanbul). This occurs around the summer solstice when days are longest.
What is the latest sunset of the year in Istanbul?
The latest sunset in Istanbul in 2026 is at 8:40 PM on June 22 (Europe/Istanbul). This occurs shortly after the summer solstice.
What time does it actually get dark after sunset in Istanbul?
After sunset at 7:45 PM in Istanbul, civil twilight ends at 8:13 PM — about 29 minutes later — when the sky becomes too dark for outdoor activities without artificial light. Full darkness (astronomical dusk) arrives at 9:23 PM (Europe/Istanbul).
What these times mean
Solar times in Istanbul shift throughout the year. Each stage of the day brings distinct light that photographers, outdoor planners, and everyday users rely on.
- Dawn
- The first usable twilight before sunrise, when the horizon brightens and color gradually returns to the sky.
- Sunrise
- The moment the upper edge of the sun appears above the horizon, starting direct daylight.
- Golden Hour
- The low-angle window just after sunrise and just before sunset, producing warm, soft light favored by photographers.
- Sunset
- The moment the upper edge of the sun drops below the horizon, ending direct sunlight for the day.
- Dusk
- The fading twilight after sunset, ending with astronomical dusk when the sky becomes fully dark.
Monthly daylight in Istanbul
Sunrise, sunset, and total daylight in Istanbul on the 15th of each month for 2026. Times reflect the city's local timezone.
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8:27 AM | 6:00 PM | 9h 33m |
| February | 7:58 AM | 6:38 PM | 10h 40m |
| March | 7:16 AM | 7:10 PM | 11h 54m |
| April | 6:25 AM | 7:43 PM | 13h 18m |
| May | 5:46 AM | 8:15 PM | 14h 29m |
| June | 5:31 AM | 8:38 PM | 15h 07m |
| July | 5:44 AM | 8:35 PM | 14h 50m |
| August | 6:13 AM | 8:03 PM | 13h 49m |
| September | 6:44 AM | 7:13 PM | 12h 29m |
| October | 7:15 AM | 6:23 PM | 11h 08m |
| November | 7:51 AM | 5:45 PM | 9h 54m |
| December | 8:21 AM | 5:36 PM | 9h 15m |