Sunlight Hours in Birmingham
Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Birmingham, United Kingdom
Interactive 3D Shadow Map
Summer afternoon in Birmingham
Birmingham
3:30 PM • Summer Solstice
Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of Birmingham. 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.
Today's Sunlight
March Average
Sunrise
06:25
Sunset
18:08
Total Daylight
11h 45m
Sun Altitude
36°
at noon
Seasonal Extremes
Longest Day
16.7h
2026-06-21
Shortest Day
7.5h
2026-12-21
Explore Shadows in 3D
See exactly how building shadows fall across Birmingham at any time of day or year.
52.4814°
-1.8998°
Best Time to Visit Birmingham
Month-by-month daylight conditions
Birmingham experiences significant seasonal variation with 16.7h of daylight in summer vs 7.5h in winter. Plan outdoor activities for late spring through early autumn.
Peak Months
Jun, Jul, May, Aug
Shoulder Season
Apr & Sep
Winter
Jan
8.2h
Limited
Winter
Feb
9.8h
Fair
Spring
Mar
11.8h
Good
Spring
Apr
13.8h
Excellent
Spring
May
15.6h
Excellent
Summer
Jun
16.5h
Excellent
Summer
Jul
16.1h
Excellent
Summer
Aug
14.5h
Excellent
Autumn
Sep
12.5h
Great
Autumn
Oct
10.5h
Fair
Autumn
Nov
8.7h
Limited
Winter
Dec
7.7h
Limited
Golden Hour in Birmingham
Best times for photography
March Golden Hour
06:25 - 07:25
Blue hour from 05:55
17:08 - 18:08
Blue hour until 18:38
Best Months
- 1May-Jun — Long golden hours, lush landscapes
- 2Sep-Oct — Warm light + fall foliage
- 3Dec — Low sun angle all day
Photography Tips
- Summer golden hours are longer and more gradual than in tropical locations
- Autumn and spring offer the most balanced lighting conditions
- Face south during midday for even lighting on subjects
- Check the 3D shadow map to scout locations and predict light direction
Understanding Birmingham's Sunlight
AI-powered insights for your location
Birmingham's high-latitude location (52.5°N) creates significant seasonal variation, with winter days 9.2 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 61° at summer noon but only 14° in winter.
Key Challenges
- 1Very low winter sun angle (14°) creates long shadows
- 2Winter shadows extend 4.0x object height
- 3Large daylight variation (9.2h) between seasons
- 4Short winter days (7.5h) limit outdoor activities
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 Birmingham. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
Solar Energy Potential
Is Birmingham good for solar panels?
With approximately 1,684 annual sun hours, Birmingham has good solar potential. A well-designed system can significantly reduce electricity costs.
Annual Sun Hours
1,684
estimated
Optimal Panel Tilt
52°
facing south
Peak Production
Jun, Jul, May
highest output
Relative Monthly Production
Installation Tips for Birmingham
- Orient panels south with a 52° 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 (67°), flatter in summer (37°)
UV Index & Sun Safety
Protect yourself in Birmingham
March UV Index
Protection required. Reduce sun exposure during midday.
Monthly UV Index
Peak UV Months
May, Jun, Jul have the highest UV levels (up to 10). Take extra precautions during these months.
Protection Needed
- SPF 30+ sunscreen (reapply every 2h)
- Protective clothing and hat
- Seek shade 10am-4pm
Outdoor Activities in Birmingham
Best times for popular activities
Best Activities in March
Gardening
33% match
Outdoor Dining
23% match
Hiking & Walking
23% match
Year-Round Activity Guide
| Activity | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Dining | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | |||||||
| Hiking & Walking | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ||||||||
| Beach & Swimming | ★ | ★ | ★ | |||||||||
| Photography | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | |||||||
| Gardening | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | |||||||
| Running & Cycling | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ |
Outdoor Dining
Enjoy al fresco dining during the warmer months with longer evening light.
Hiking & Walking
Mild temperatures and good daylight make spring and autumn ideal for trails.
Beach & Swimming
Peak sun and warmest temperatures during summer months.
Seasonal Sunlight Calendar
Monthly averages throughout the year
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight | Sun Angle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
January | 08:15 | 16:19 | 8h 11m | 17° |
February | 07:27 | 17:16 | 9h 49m | 25° |
March | 06:25 | 18:08 | 11h 45m | 36° |
April | 06:14 | 20:02 | 13h 49m | 47° |
May | 05:16 | 20:52 | 15h 35m | 56° |
☀️June | 04:49 | 21:27 | 16h 31m | 60° |
☀️July | 05:07 | 21:18 | 16h 4m | 58° |
☀️August | 05:54 | 20:28 | 14h 31m | 51° |
September | 06:45 | 19:19 | 12h 32m | 40° |
October | 07:36 | 18:09 | 10h 31m | 29° |
November | 07:33 | 16:10 | 8h 40m | 19° |
December | 08:16 | 15:48 | 7h 40m | 15° |
Summer Solstice
16.7h daylight
Winter Solstice
7.5h daylight
Explore Nearby Cities
Sunlight data for surrounding areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Sunlight in Birmingham
1How many hours of sunlight does Birmingham get?
How many hours of sunlight does Birmingham get?
Birmingham receives an average of 12.1 hours of daylight per day. This varies throughout the year, from 7.5 hours on the shortest day to 16.7 hours on the longest day.
2What is the sun angle in Birmingham during winter?
What is the sun angle in Birmingham during winter?
During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 14.1° above the horizon at solar noon in Birmingham. This creates shadows that are 4.0x the height of objects.
3When is the best time for outdoor activities in Birmingham?
When is the best time for outdoor activities in Birmingham?
April through September offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Northern Hemisphere.
4How do I plan a garden in Birmingham for maximum sunlight?
How do I plan a garden in Birmingham for maximum sunlight?
South-facing gardens receive the most consistent sunlight year-round in Birmingham. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
5What time is golden hour in Birmingham?
What time is golden hour in Birmingham?
In March, golden hour in Birmingham occurs in the morning from 06:25 - 07:25 and in the evening from 17:08 - 18:08. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.
6What is the UV index in Birmingham?
What is the UV index in Birmingham?
The UV index in Birmingham varies by season. During summer, UV can reach 10 (very high), while winter UV levels are much lower. Always check daily UV forecasts and wear SPF 30+ sunscreen during peak hours (10am-4pm).
7Are solar panels worth it in Birmingham?
Are solar panels worth it in Birmingham?
Birmingham receives approximately 1,684 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 52° tilt angle.
8When is sunrise and sunset in Birmingham?
When is sunrise and sunset in Birmingham?
In March, sunrise in Birmingham is around 06:25 and sunset is around 18:08, giving 11.8 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (04:49) and latest sunset follows shortly after.
9What is the best month to visit Birmingham for weather?
What is the best month to visit Birmingham for weather?
For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in Birmingham, 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.
10How long are shadows in Birmingham?
How long are shadows in Birmingham?
Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Birmingham. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.6x the height of objects (sun at 61°). In winter, shadows extend to 4.0x object height (sun at just 14°).