At what time of day is the light typically perceived as the "warmest" in color?

The light is typically perceived as the "warmest" in color during sunrise and sunset. This phenomenon occurs due to the position of the sun in relation to the Earth. During these times, the sun is lower on the horizon, and sunlight must pass through more of the Earth's atmosphere before reaching the observer. This increased distance scatters shorter wavelengths of light, such as blue and green, and allows longer wavelengths, including reds and oranges, to predominate.

This warm light is often referred to as "golden hour" by photographers because it creates beautiful, soft lighting that enhances the colors and textures in a scene, making it ideal for photography. In contrast, at noon and mid-afternoon, the sun is higher in the sky, resulting in stronger, harsher light with cooler tones, while late evening light tends to follow the same patterns as noon but with a fading intensity. Thus, sunrise and sunset are celebrated for their characteristic warm hues.