Sunrise & Sunset Overview
Today's sunrise and sunset times for cities in South Africa
Sunrise in South Africa today ranges from 05:52 in Durban to 06:40 in Cape Town, reflecting the country's geographic spread. Times are accurate to within 1 minute.
Capital: Johannesburg
Sunrise
06:06
Sunset
18:34
Major Cities
| City | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg | 06:06 | 18:34 | 12h 29m |
| Cape Town | 06:40 | 19:17 | 12h 37m |
| Durban | 05:52 | 18:24 | 12h 32m |
| Pretoria | 06:05 | 18:33 | 12h 28m |
| Soweto | 06:06 | 18:35 | 12h 29m |
| Port Elizabeth | 06:11 | 18:48 | 12h 37m |
| Bloemfontein | 06:11 | 18:43 | 12h 32m |
About Sunrise & Sunset in South Africa
South Africa spans approximately 30.6°S. South Africa's near-tropical location gives it consistent daylight throughout the year, typically 11 to 13 hours with minimal seasonal swing. Click any city above for complete data including golden hour, blue hour, twilight times, moon phase, and monthly sun tables.
Golden Hour in South Africa
Golden hour photography across South Africa varies by location and season. In the southern hemisphere, South Africa sees golden hour windows of 45 to 90 minutes that are longest during the southern winter months (June to August). Click any city in the table above to see exact golden hour times for that location.
Seasonal Daylight in South Africa
The difference between the longest and shortest day in South Africa depends on latitude. South Africa's near-equatorial position means consistent daylight of 11 to 13 hours year-round, with minimal seasonal variation.
The best time of year to visit South Africa for photography depends on your goals. Long summer days provide more total shooting hours, but winter offers lower sun angles that produce dramatic shadows and warm light throughout more of the day. Spring and autumn equinox periods offer balanced light that works well for most subjects.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What time is sunrise in South Africa today?
- Today's earliest sunrise in South Africa is at 05:52 (Durban) and the latest is 06:40 (Cape Town), reflecting the country's geographic spread.
- Which city in South Africa has the earliest sunrise?
- Durban currently has the earliest sunrise in South Africa at 05:52. Eastern cities in any country always see sunrise first.
- How many daylight hours does South Africa get?
- South Africa's near-tropical location means consistent daylight year-round, typically 11 to 13 hours per day with little seasonal variation.