How Much Sunlight Does My Apartment Get?

Free tool to analyze natural light based on your window orientation and nearby buildings.

Analyze My Apartment

Sunlight by Window Orientation

For the Northern Hemisphere. (Reverse north/south for Southern Hemisphere.)

South-Facing Windows

Most sunlight (6-10+ hours)

Receives direct sunlight throughout the day, especially from late morning to mid-afternoon. Ideal for living rooms, home offices, and plant lovers. Can get warm in summer.

West-Facing Windows

Afternoon sun (4-6 hours)

Gets direct sun from afternoon until sunset. Warm golden light in evenings. Can overheat in summer afternoons. Good for enjoying sunsets.

East-Facing Windows

Morning sun (4-6 hours)

Gets direct sun from sunrise until late morning. Bright, energizing start to the day. Stays cooler in afternoons. Ideal for bedrooms if you like waking with natural light.

North-Facing Windows

Minimal direct sun (0-2 hours)

Rarely gets direct sun, but enjoys soft, even diffused light all day. Stays cool in summer. Good for art studios and rooms where consistent light matters.

Factors That Affect Your Apartment's Sunlight

1. Neighboring Buildings

Taller buildings nearby—especially to the south—can block direct sunlight for hours. Use SunMap to see exactly when neighboring buildings cast shadows on your unit.

2. Floor Level

Higher floors typically get more sunlight because they're above neighboring buildings' shadow zones. Ground floor units in dense areas may be shaded most of the day.

3. Season

In winter, the sun is lower and shadows are longer—a building that gets good summer light might be shaded in winter. Always check both solstices in SunMap.

4. Window Size and Obstructions

Large floor-to-ceiling windows capture more light. Balconies above can shade windows. Awnings and external shading affect light entry.

How to Check Your Apartment's Sunlight

1
Open SunMap and find your building
Navigate to your apartment building on the 3D map.
2
Identify which side your unit is on
Use the compass to determine if your windows face N, S, E, or W.
3
Move through the day with the time slider
Watch how sunlight and shadows move across your building. Note when your side gets direct sun.
4
Check winter conditions
Set the date to December 21 (Northern Hemisphere) to see worst-case sunlight. If it's acceptable then, you're good year-round.

Check Your Apartment's Sunlight

Free visual analysis of natural light for any apartment worldwide.