Sunlight Analysis

Sunlight Hours in Cebu City

Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Cebu City, Philippines

Interactive 3D Shadow Map

Summer afternoon in Cebu City

Cebu City

3:30 PM • Summer Solstice

Full Screen

Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of Cebu City. 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

05:53

Sunset

17:52

Total Daylight

12h 0m

Sun Altitude

78°

at noon

Seasonal Extremes

☀️

Longest Day

12.6h

2026-06-21

❄️

Shortest Day

11.4h

2026-12-21

Interactive 3D

Explore Shadows in 3D

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

Location
Lat

10.3167°

Lng

123.8907°

Launch 3D Map

Best Time to Visit Cebu City

Month-by-month daylight conditions

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

Peak Months

Jun, Jul, May, Aug

Shoulder Season

Apr & Sep

Winter

Jan

11.5h

Great

Winter

Feb

11.7h

Great

Spring

Mar

12.0h

Great

Spring

Apr

12.3h

Excellent

Spring

May

12.5h

Excellent

Summer

Jun

12.6h

Excellent

Summer

Jul

12.6h

Excellent

Summer

Aug

12.4h

Excellent

Autumn

Sep

12.1h

Great

Autumn

Oct

11.8h

Great

Autumn

Nov

11.6h

Great

Winter

Dec

11.5h

Great

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

Golden Hour in Cebu City

Best times for photography

March Golden Hour

Morning

05:53 - 06:53

Blue hour from 05:23

Evening

16:52 - 17:52

Blue hour until 18:22

Best Months

  • 1Year-roundConsistent golden hour length
  • 2Oct-AprMilder temperatures for outdoor shoots
  • 3Jun-AugLatest 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 south during midday for even lighting on subjects
  • Check the 3D shadow map to scout locations and predict light direction

Understanding Cebu City's Sunlight

AI-powered insights for your location

Cebu City's tropical location (10.3°N) creates minimal seasonal variation, with winter days 1.2 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 77° at summer noon but only 56° in winter.

Key Challenges

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

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 Cebu City. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.

Solar Energy Potential

Is Cebu City good for solar panels?

Cebu City receives approximately 2,419 hours of sunshine annually, making it an excellent location for solar energy. Most residential installations achieve payback within 5-7 years.

Annual Sun Hours

2,419

estimated

Optimal Panel Tilt

10°

facing south

Peak Production

Apr, Aug, Sep

highest output

Relative Monthly Production

Jan
64%
Feb
74%
Mar
88%
Apr
100%
May
96%
Jun
92%
Jul
94%
Aug
100%
Sep
93%
Oct
79%
Nov
67%
Dec
61%

Installation Tips for Cebu City

  • Orient panels south with a 10° 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 (25°), flatter in summer (10°)

UV Index & Sun Safety

Protect yourself in Cebu City

March UV Index

14Extreme

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

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

Peak UV Months

Mar, Apr, May 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 Cebu City

Best times for popular activities

Best Activities in March

🥇

Outdoor Dining

55% match

🥈

Hiking & Walking

55% match

🥉

Beach & Swimming

55% 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:Nov, Dec, Jan

Hiking & Walking

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

Best:Nov, Dec, Jan

Beach & Swimming

Peak sun and warmest temperatures during summer months.

Best:Nov, Dec, Jan

Seasonal Sunlight Calendar

Monthly averages throughout the year

MonthSunriseSunsetDaylightSun Angle
January
06:0817:39
11h 31m
59°
February
06:0617:50
11h 44m
67°
March
05:5317:52
12h 0m
78°
April
05:3517:52
12h 17m
87°
May
05:2517:56
12h 31m
82°
☀️June
05:2518:04
12h 38m
77°
☀️July
05:3218:07
12h 34m
80°
☀️August
05:3717:59
12h 22m
86°
September
05:3617:42
12h 6m
82°
October
05:3517:24
11h 49m
71°
November
05:4217:16
11h 35m
61°
December
05:5617:23
11h 28m
57°
☀️

Summer Solstice

12.6h daylight

❄️

Winter Solstice

11.4h daylight

Explore Nearby Cities

Sunlight data for surrounding areas

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunlight in Cebu City

1

How many hours of sunlight does Cebu City get?

Cebu City receives an average of 12 hours of daylight per day. This varies throughout the year, from 11.4 hours on the shortest day to 12.6 hours on the longest day.

2

What is the sun angle in Cebu City during winter?

During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 56.2° above the horizon at solar noon in Cebu City. This creates shadows that are 0.7x the height of objects.

3

When is the best time for outdoor activities in Cebu City?

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

4

How do I plan a garden in Cebu City for maximum sunlight?

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

5

What time is golden hour in Cebu City?

In March, golden hour in Cebu City occurs in the morning from 05:53 - 06:53 and in the evening from 16:52 - 17:52. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.

6

What is the UV index in Cebu City?

The UV index in Cebu City 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 Cebu City?

Cebu City receives approximately 2,419 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 10° tilt angle.

8

When is sunrise and sunset in Cebu City?

In March, sunrise in Cebu City is around 05:53 and sunset is around 17:52, giving 12.0 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (05:27) and latest sunset follows shortly after.

9

What is the best month to visit Cebu City for weather?

For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in Cebu City, 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 Cebu City?

Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Cebu City. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.2x the height of objects (sun at 77°). In winter, shadows extend to 0.7x object height (sun at just 56°).