Solar noon is the moment when the sun crosses the local meridian and reaches its highest altitude for that day. It is not the same as 12:00 PM on a clock — it depends on your longitude within your timezone and the equation of time.

What is the equation of time?

The equation of time accounts for the difference between mean solar time (what clocks measure) and apparent solar time (the actual position of the sun). It varies throughout the year by up to about ±16 minutes due to Earth's elliptical orbit and axial tilt.

Why does solar noon change every day?

Earth's orbital speed varies slightly as it travels its elliptical path around the sun, and the axial tilt causes the sun's apparent motion along the ecliptic to differ from the celestial equator. Both effects combine to shift solar noon by up to 16 minutes throughout the year.

How accurate is this calculator?

This calculator uses the NOAA simplified algorithm accurate to within about 1–2 minutes for most dates and locations. For sub-minute precision (e.g. astronomical observations), use dedicated ephemeris software.

Does latitude affect solar noon time?

Latitude does not affect the clock time of solar noon — only longitude and the equation of time do. Latitude does affect the sun's maximum elevation angle, which is also shown in the results.

Solar Noon Calculator

Find the exact time of solar noon for any latitude, longitude, and date.

Location & Date

Latitude

−90 (South Pole) to +90 (North Pole)

Longitude

−180 (West) to +180 (East)

Date

UTC Offset (hours)

e.g. −5 for EST, +1 for CET, +5.5 for IST

Solar Noon Results

Enter a location and date, then click Calculate.

Summary

The Solar Noon Calculator finds the exact local clock time when the sun reaches its highest point (solar transit) for any location and date. It applies the equation of time — which can shift solar noon up to 16 minutes from 12:00 PM — plus a longitude correction within your timezone. The result also shows the sun's maximum elevation angle for that location and day.

How it works

Enter the latitude and longitude of your location (or use the "Use My Location" button).
Select the date you want to calculate solar noon for.
Enter your UTC offset (timezone, e.g. -5 for EST, +5.5 for IST).
The calculator applies the equation of time correction for that day of the year.
Solar noon is displayed in both local clock time and as UTC.

Use cases

Photographers planning golden-hour shoots need to know when the sun is highest.
Solar panel installers orient panels by tracking daily solar noon.
Astronomers and sundial makers calibrate instruments using solar noon.
Gardeners and farmers track sun angles to plan crop placement.
Hikers and campers estimate mid-day sun position for navigation.
Educators demonstrating the equation of time and solar geometry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-06-13 · Reviewed by Nham Vu