Daylight pitching planner
A guide, not advice. Check your kit maker's figures before you buy or pack.
The calculator needs JavaScript. The worked example, sum and figures below show exactly how it works, so you can do it yourself. A guide, not advice.
Short answer
Enter your planned arrival, local sunset time and how long your tent takes to pitch. Add a buffer for the number of tents and compare your setup plan with the daylight window. Use sunset for your actual date and location; the tool does not calculate it.
Worked example
| You enter | Value |
|---|---|
| Planned arrival time | 16 hours |
| Local sunset time from your forecast or trusted source | 19.5 hours |
| Your measured pitching time per tent | 45 minutes |
| Tents to pitch | 1 |
| Extra time to allow | 30 minutes |
Your plan leaves about 135 minutes before sunset.
| Result | Value |
|---|---|
| Time until sunset | 210 minutes |
| Pitching time plus buffer | 75 minutes |
| Timing check | Your plan leaves about 135 minutes before sunset. |
Show the working
- Daylight window: (19.5 − 16) × 60 = 210 minutes
- Pitching: 45 × 1 tents + 30 min buffer = 75 minutes
How it works
- Daylight time = sunset time − planned arrival time
- Setup allowance = measured setup time per tent × tents + extra time buffer
- Compare the two to see whether your plan leaves a margin
Use the local sunset time for your date and location and a realistic setup time. Civil twilight and local conditions vary; plan a torch and backup if arrival is delayed.
Our figures (adjustable)
These are our planning allowances and, once checked, typical figures with their sources. They aren't facts about your kit: change any of them in the calculator.
This calculator has no built-in defaults: every figure comes from you or your kit's own label.
What to buy
Shopping links will appear here once our retailer partners are confirmed. We don't rank kit by testing it: see our spec-based kit guides.
FAQs
How do I find sunset time for my campsite?
Use a current, reliable forecast or local source for your date and location. Times vary across the UK and through the year.
Should I pitch after dark?
Allow enough time to pitch securely and safely. Carry a torch and consider arriving earlier if your setup is unfamiliar or conditions are poor.
Guides that use it
How to pitch a tent
How to pitch a tent: calm, practical help for UK families and first-timers, from the Canvasdale team.