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Sunlight Analysis

Sunlight Hours in Barcelona

Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Barcelona, Spain

Interactive 3D Shadow Map

Summer afternoon in Barcelona

Barcelona

3:30 PM • Summer Solstice

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Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of Barcelona. 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

07:06

Sunset

18:54

Total Daylight

11h 50m

Sun Altitude

47°

at noon

Seasonal Extremes

☀️

Longest Day

15.1h

2026-06-21

❄️

Shortest Day

9.1h

2026-12-21

Interactive 3D

Explore Shadows in 3D

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

Location
Lat

41.3888°

Lng

2.1590°

Launch 3D Map

Best Time to Visit Barcelona

Month-by-month daylight conditions

Barcelona has moderate seasonal variation (6.0h difference between longest and shortest days). May-August offers the best conditions for outdoor activities.

Peak Months

Jun, Jul, May, Aug

Shoulder Season

Apr & Sep

Winter

Jan

9.5h

Fair

Winter

Feb

10.5h

Good

Spring

Mar

11.8h

Great

Spring

Apr

13.2h

Excellent

Spring

May

14.4h

Excellent

Summer

Jun

15.0h

Excellent

Summer

Jul

14.7h

Excellent

Summer

Aug

13.7h

Excellent

Autumn

Sep

12.4h

Great

Autumn

Oct

11.0h

Good

Autumn

Nov

9.8h

Fair

Winter

Dec

9.2h

Fair

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

Golden Hour in Barcelona

Best times for photography

March Golden Hour

Morning

07:06 - 08:06

Blue hour from 06:36

Evening

17:54 - 18:54

Blue hour until 19:24

Best Months

  • 1Year-round — Consistent golden hour length
  • 2Oct-Apr — Milder temperatures for outdoor shoots
  • 3Jun-Aug — Latest sunsets for evening shoots

Photography Tips

  • Golden hour transitions are relatively quick - be prepared and in position early
  • Midday sun can be harsh; use it for high-contrast architectural photography
  • Face south during midday for even lighting on subjects
  • Check the 3D shadow map to scout locations and predict light direction

Scout your shot in 3D

See exactly where shadows fall at any time

Understanding Barcelona's Sunlight

AI-powered insights for your location

Barcelona's mid-latitude location (41.4°N) creates moderate seasonal variation, with winter days 6.0 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 72° at summer noon but only 25° in winter.

Key Challenges

  • 1Low winter sun angle (25°) affects south-facing properties
  • 2Winter shadows extend 2.1x object height
  • 3Consider local weather patterns that may affect sunshine

Best Months

April through September offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Northern Hemisphere.

Garden Tips

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

Solar Energy Potential

Is Barcelona good for solar panels?

With approximately 1,987 annual sun hours, Barcelona has good solar potential. A well-designed system can significantly reduce electricity costs.

Annual Sun Hours

1,987

estimated

Optimal Panel Tilt

41°

facing south

Peak Production

Jun, Jul, May

highest output

Relative Monthly Production

Jan
25%
Feb
36%
Mar
52%
Apr
72%
May
90%
Jun
100%
Jul
95%
Aug
79%
Sep
59%
Oct
41%
Nov
28%
Dec
22%

Installation Tips for Barcelona

  • Orient panels south with a 41° 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 (56°), flatter in summer (26°)

UV Index & Sun Safety

Protect yourself in Barcelona

March UV Index

9Very High

Extra protection needed. Avoid midday sun if possible.

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

Monthly UV Index

6
Jan
7
Feb
9
Mar
10
Apr
11
May
12
Jun
11
Jul
11
Aug
10
Sep
8
Oct
6
Nov
5
Dec

Peak UV Months

Jun, May, Jul have the highest UV levels (up to 12). Take extra precautions during these months.

Protection Needed

  • SPF 50+ sunscreen (reapply frequently)
  • Cover up with clothing
  • Avoid sun exposure 10am-4pm

Outdoor Activities in Barcelona

Best times for popular activities

Best Activities in March

🥇

Gardening

54% match

🥈

Outdoor Dining

24% match

🥉

Hiking & Walking

24% 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:Jun, Jul, Aug

Hiking & Walking

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

Best:Apr, May, Sep

Beach & Swimming

Peak sun and warmest temperatures during summer months.

Best:Jun, Jul, Aug

Seasonal Sunlight Calendar

Monthly averages throughout the year

MonthSunriseSunsetDaylightSun Angle
January
08:1817:43
9h 29m
28°
February
07:4918:21
10h 32m
36°
March
07:0618:54
11h 50m
47°
April
07:1520:28
13h 13m
58°
May
06:3620:59
14h 22m
67°
☀️June
06:2021:22
14h 58m
72°
☀️July
06:3421:19
14h 41m
70°
☀️August
07:0320:47
13h 41m
62°
September
07:3419:57
12h 22m
51°
October
08:0619:07
11h 0m
40°
November
07:4217:28
9h 47m
30°
December
08:1317:19
9h 10m
26°
☀️

Summer Solstice

15.1h daylight

❄️

Winter Solstice

9.1h daylight

Explore Nearby Cities

Sunlight data for surrounding areas

Eixample

Spain

12.1h avg sunlight

Ciutat Vella

Spain

12.1h avg sunlight

Gràcia

Spain

12.1h avg sunlight

Sants-Montjuïc

Spain

12.1h avg sunlight

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunlight in Barcelona

1

How many hours of sunlight does Barcelona get?

Barcelona receives an average of 12.1 hours of daylight per day. This varies throughout the year, from 9.1 hours on the shortest day to 15.1 hours on the longest day.

2

What is the sun angle in Barcelona during winter?

During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 25.2° above the horizon at solar noon in Barcelona. This creates shadows that are 2.1x the height of objects.

3

When is the best time for outdoor activities in Barcelona?

April through September offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Northern Hemisphere.

4

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

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

5

What time is golden hour in Barcelona?

In March, golden hour in Barcelona occurs in the morning from 07:06 - 08:06 and in the evening from 17:54 - 18:54. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.

6

What is the UV index in Barcelona?

The UV index in Barcelona varies by season. During summer, UV can reach 12 (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 Barcelona?

Barcelona receives approximately 1,987 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 south at a 41° tilt angle.

8

When is sunrise and sunset in Barcelona?

In March, sunrise in Barcelona is around 07:06 and sunset is around 18:54, giving 11.8 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (06:21) and latest sunset follows shortly after.

9

What is the best month to visit Barcelona for weather?

For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in Barcelona, April through September offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Northern Hemisphere. The shoulder seasons often offer a good balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

10

How long are shadows in Barcelona?

Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Barcelona. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.3x the height of objects (sun at 72°). In winter, shadows extend to 2.1x object height (sun at just 25°).