Sunlight Analysis

Sunlight Hours in Arica

Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Arica, Chile

Interactive 3D Shadow Map

Summer afternoon in Arica

Arica

3:30 PM • Summer Solstice

Full Screen

Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of Arica. Shows real building shadows based on sun position calculations. Features include: time-of-day simulation, date selection for seasonal analysis, 3D building rendering, tree shadows, terrain elevation, and sun position indicators. Powered by Mapbox GL JS and SunCalc astronomical calculations.

Drag to rotateScroll to zoomWatch shadows move in real-time

Today's Sunlight

March Average

Sunrise

07:46

Sunset

19:53

Total Daylight

12h 7m

Sun Altitude

73°

at noon

Seasonal Extremes

☀️

Longest Day

13.2h

2026-12-21

❄️

Shortest Day

10.9h

2026-06-21

Interactive 3D

Explore Shadows in 3D

See exactly how building shadows fall across Arica at any time of day or year.

Location
Lat

-18.4755°

Lng

-70.3006°

Launch 3D Map

Best Time to Visit Arica

Month-by-month daylight conditions

Arica lies in the tropics with consistent daylight year-round. Any time of year offers good sunlight conditions.

Peak Months

Dec, Jan, Nov, Feb

Shoulder Season

Oct & Mar

Summer

Jan

13.0h

Excellent

Summer

Feb

12.6h

Excellent

Autumn

Mar

12.1h

Great

Autumn

Apr

11.6h

Great

Autumn

May

11.2h

Good

Winter

Jun

11.0h

Good

Winter

Jul

11.1h

Good

Winter

Aug

11.4h

Great

Spring

Sep

11.9h

Great

Spring

Oct

12.4h

Excellent

Spring

Nov

12.9h

Excellent

Summer

Dec

13.1h

Excellent

Excellent (14h+) Great (12-14h) Good (10-12h) Fair (8-10h) Limited (<8h)

Golden Hour in Arica

Best times for photography

March Golden Hour

Morning

07:46 - 08:46

Blue hour from 07:16

Evening

18:53 - 19:53

Blue hour until 20:23

Best Months

  • 1Year-roundConsistent golden hour length
  • 2Apr-OctMilder temperatures for outdoor shoots
  • 3Dec-FebLatest sunsets for evening shoots

Photography Tips

  • In the tropics, golden hour is brief but intense - arrive early to your location
  • The sun rises and sets nearly vertically, creating short but vibrant color displays
  • Face north during midday for even lighting on subjects
  • Check the 3D shadow map to scout locations and predict light direction

Understanding Arica's Sunlight

AI-powered insights for your location

Arica's tropical location (18.5°S) creates minimal seasonal variation, with winter days 2.2 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 85° at summer noon but only 48° in winter.

Key Challenges

  • 1Consider local weather patterns that may affect sunshine
  • 2Urban buildings may create additional shadows

Best Months

October through March offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Southern Hemisphere.

Garden Tips

North-facing gardens receive the most consistent sunlight year-round in Arica. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.

Solar Energy Potential

Is Arica good for solar panels?

Arica receives approximately 2,413 hours of sunshine annually, making it an excellent location for solar energy. Most residential installations achieve payback within 5-7 years.

Annual Sun Hours

2,413

estimated

Optimal Panel Tilt

18°

facing north

Peak Production

Nov, Jan, Dec

highest output

Relative Monthly Production

Jan
100%
Feb
93%
Mar
78%
Apr
63%
May
52%
Jun
47%
Jul
49%
Aug
59%
Sep
72%
Oct
88%
Nov
100%
Dec
99%

Installation Tips for Arica

  • Orient panels north with a 18° tilt for optimal year-round performance
  • Use the 3D shadow map to check for obstructions from trees or neighboring buildings
  • Consider seasonal tilt adjustment: steeper in winter (33°), flatter in summer (10°)

UV Index & Sun Safety

Protect yourself in Arica

March UV Index

13Extreme

Maximum protection essential. Avoid outdoor activities during peak hours.

UV Index Scale:
1-2 Low3-5 Mod6-7 High8-10 V.High11+ Ext

Monthly UV Index

14
Jan
14
Feb
13
Mar
12
Apr
11
May
10
Jun
11
Jul
12
Aug
13
Sep
14
Oct
14
Nov
14
Dec

Peak UV Months

Jan, Feb, Oct have the highest UV levels (up to 14). Take extra precautions during these months.

Protection Needed

  • SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen
  • Full coverage clothing and wide-brim hat
  • Stay indoors 10am-4pm

Outdoor Activities in Arica

Best times for popular activities

Best Activities in March

🥇

Outdoor Dining

26% match

🥈

Hiking & Walking

26% match

🥉

Beach & Swimming

26% match

Year-Round Activity Guide

ActivityJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Outdoor Dining
Hiking & Walking
Beach & Swimming
Photography
Gardening
Running & Cycling
Best months Good Fair Limited Current month

Outdoor Dining

Enjoy al fresco dining during the warmer months with longer evening light.

Best:May, Jun, Jul

Hiking & Walking

Mild temperatures and good daylight make spring and autumn ideal for trails.

Best:May, Jun, Jul

Beach & Swimming

Peak sun and warmest temperatures during summer months.

Best:May, Jun, Jul

Seasonal Sunlight Calendar

Monthly averages throughout the year

MonthSunriseSunsetDaylightSun Angle
☀️January
07:1920:21
13h 0m
87°
☀️February
07:3620:13
12h 36m
84°
March
07:4619:53
12h 7m
73°
April
06:5318:28
11h 35m
62°
May
07:0218:12
11h 10m
53°
June
07:1318:09
10h 58m
49°
July
07:1618:18
11h 4m
51°
August
07:0318:27
11h 25m
58°
September
07:3919:33
11h 55m
69°
October
07:1419:39
12h 26m
80°
November
06:5819:53
12h 53m
88°
☀️December
07:0120:10
13h 7m
86°
☀️

Summer Solstice

13.2h daylight

❄️

Winter Solstice

10.9h daylight

Explore Nearby Cities

Sunlight data for surrounding areas

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunlight in Arica

1

How many hours of sunlight does Arica get?

Arica receives an average of 12 hours of daylight per day. This varies throughout the year, from 10.9 hours on the shortest day to 13.2 hours on the longest day.

2

What is the sun angle in Arica during winter?

During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 48.1° above the horizon at solar noon in Arica. This creates shadows that are 0.9x the height of objects.

3

When is the best time for outdoor activities in Arica?

October through March offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Southern Hemisphere.

4

How do I plan a garden in Arica for maximum sunlight?

North-facing gardens receive the most consistent sunlight year-round in Arica. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.

5

What time is golden hour in Arica?

In March, golden hour in Arica occurs in the morning from 07:46 - 08:46 and in the evening from 18:53 - 19:53. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.

6

What is the UV index in Arica?

The UV index in Arica varies by season. During summer, UV can reach 14 (very high), while winter UV levels are much lower. Always check daily UV forecasts and wear SPF 30+ sunscreen during peak hours (10am-4pm).

7

Are solar panels worth it in Arica?

Arica receives approximately 2,413 hours of sunshine annually. This makes it a good location for solar panels, with typical payback periods of 5-10 years. For optimal performance, orient panels north at a 18° tilt angle.

8

When is sunrise and sunset in Arica?

In March, sunrise in Arica is around 07:46 and sunset is around 19:53, giving 12.1 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (07:04) and latest sunset follows shortly after.

9

What is the best month to visit Arica for weather?

For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in Arica, October through March offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Southern Hemisphere. The shoulder seasons often offer a good balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

10

How long are shadows in Arica?

Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Arica. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.1x the height of objects (sun at 85°). In winter, shadows extend to 0.9x object height (sun at just 48°).