Plan your sunset on the Bosphorus
Pick a date and tell us a little about your plan. The times update straight away and are calculated for the Bosphorus in Istanbul time.
Your proposal moment
Sunset times in Istanbul by month
Turkey stays on UTC+3 all year, so these times barely change from one year to the next. They are calculated for the Bosphorus and rounded to the minute.
| Date | Golden hour | Sunset | Suggested boarding |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 January | 17:02 | 17:46 | 16:45 |
| 15 January | 17:18 | 18:00 | 17:00 |
| 1 February | 17:40 | 18:21 | 17:20 |
| 15 February | 18:00 | 18:38 | 17:35 |
| 1 March | 18:18 | 18:55 | 17:50 |
| 15 March | 18:34 | 19:10 | 18:10 |
| 1 April | 18:52 | 19:29 | 18:25 |
| 15 April | 19:07 | 19:44 | 18:40 |
| 1 May | 19:22 | 20:01 | 19:00 |
| 15 May | 19:35 | 20:15 | 19:10 |
| 1 June | 19:49 | 20:30 | 19:25 |
| 15 June | 19:56 | 20:38 | 19:35 |
| 1 July | 19:59 | 20:40 | 19:40 |
| 15 July | 19:54 | 20:35 | 19:30 |
| 1 August | 19:41 | 20:20 | 19:20 |
| 15 August | 19:25 | 20:03 | 19:00 |
| 1 September | 19:00 | 19:37 | 18:35 |
| 15 September | 18:37 | 19:13 | 18:10 |
| 1 October | 18:10 | 18:46 | 17:45 |
| 15 October | 17:46 | 18:24 | 17:20 |
| 1 November | 17:21 | 18:00 | 16:55 |
| 15 November | 17:04 | 17:45 | 16:45 |
| 1 December | 16:53 | 17:36 | 16:35 |
| 15 December | 16:52 | 17:36 | 16:35 |
How we time a sunset cruise
We plan boarding about one hour before sunset. You settle on deck with a welcome drink and sail along the European shore past Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace and Ortaköy Mosque in the warm golden-hour light, the best time for photos.
The captain then positions the yacht so you face the sun as it goes down. Around half an hour after sunset the sky turns deep blue, the Bosphorus Bridge lights up and the palaces glow on the water. A two-hour cruise covers all three moments; with three hours you can add dinner on board or sail further north.
Where the sun sets over Istanbul
The sun does not set in the same place all year. In winter it goes down in the south-west, over the old city and the Sea of Marmara, so the domes of the historic peninsula stand in silhouette. In summer it sets further north-west, behind the hills of the European shore and the Golden Horn. Your captain knows where the light will be on your date and plans the route so you face it at the right moment.
Timing a marriage proposal at sunset
There are two perfect moments for a proposal on the Bosphorus, and many couples use both. The first is just before sunset, when the light is soft and golden and your photographer gets the best pictures. The second is after dark, when the Bosphorus Bridge is lit up and your message can appear on it with our laser show.
For both, board about an hour before sunset and plan two and a half to three hours on the water. Use the planner above to see the exact times for your date, then see our marriage proposal packages.
Real proposals and sunsets on our yachts
These are our own videos from proposals and sunset cruises on the Bosphorus. Tap a video to play it.
Marriage proposal with fireworks on a yacht
Marriage proposal on the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia
Romantic marriage proposal on a Bosphorus yacht
Private yacht proposal on the Bosphorus
Luxury sunset cruise on the Bosphorus
Private Bosphorus sunset cruise
Frequently asked questions
What time is sunset in Istanbul?
It depends on the date. The earliest sunset is around 17:35 in early December and the latest around 20:40 at the end of June. Choose your date in the planner above for the exact time.
Does Istanbul change its clocks?
No. Turkey stays on UTC+3 all year, so sunset times move smoothly through the seasons without a clock change.
When should we board a sunset cruise?
About one hour before sunset. You sail in golden hour, watch the sun go down and stay on the water as the city lights come on.
What is golden hour in Istanbul?
The last 35 to 45 minutes before sunset, when the sun is low and the light is warm. It is the best time for photos on the Bosphorus.
What is the best month for a sunset cruise?
Sunset cruises run all year. Late spring and early autumn have mild evenings, summer has the latest sunsets and long warm nights, and winter sunsets are early and quiet, with heated saloons on board.
What if it is cloudy?
The cruise still goes ahead, and clouds often make the sky more colourful. If the weather is unsafe, the captain decides and we move your cruise to another date, as set out in our cancellation terms.
