Sunrise and dawn are two different times of day that are often confused with one another. Sunrise is the moment when the leading edge of the sun appears above the horizon. Dawn is the time before sunrise, when the sky is changing from night to day. Dawn can be divided into three specific times, just like twilight. The same terms are used too; astronomical, nautical, and civil.

Astronomical dawn begins the moment after the sky is not completely dark anymore, when the sun is 18° below the horizon. It lasts until the sun passes to 13°.

Nautical dawn is when the sun reaches 12° below the horizon and lasts until it reaches 7°. There is just enough light for the horizon and some objects to be distinguished.

Civil dawn is when the sun reaches 6° below the horizon until sun reaches the horizon. There is enough light for objects to be distinguished and outdoor activities can begin. Sunrise immediately follows, when the sun crosses the horizon.

Dawn, like twilight, can vary greatly depending on latitude, its length of time being shorter near the equator and longer near the poles.

Dawn was a very important time of day throughout history. Dawn was symbolic for protecting mankind against evil. In western and Celtic folklore, dawn is the time when evil spirits must disappear.