Sunlight Hours in Colombo
Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Colombo, Brazil
Interactive 3D Shadow Map
Summer afternoon in Colombo
Colombo
3:30 PM • Summer Solstice
Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of Colombo. 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
06:20
Sunset
18:30
Total Daylight
12h 8m
Sun Altitude
66°
at noon
Seasonal Extremes
Longest Day
13.6h
2026-12-21
Shortest Day
10.5h
2026-06-21
Explore Shadows in 3D
See exactly how building shadows fall across Colombo at any time of day or year.
-25.2917°
-49.2242°
Best Time to Visit Colombo
Month-by-month daylight conditions
Colombo has moderate seasonal variation (3.1h difference between longest and shortest days). November-February offers the best conditions for outdoor activities.
Peak Months
Dec, Jan, Nov, Feb
Shoulder Season
Oct & Mar
Summer
Jan
13.4h
Excellent
Summer
Feb
12.8h
Excellent
Autumn
Mar
12.1h
Great
Autumn
Apr
11.4h
Good
Autumn
May
10.8h
Good
Winter
Jun
10.5h
Good
Winter
Jul
10.7h
Good
Winter
Aug
11.2h
Good
Spring
Sep
11.9h
Great
Spring
Oct
12.6h
Great
Spring
Nov
13.2h
Excellent
Summer
Dec
13.6h
Excellent
Golden Hour in Colombo
Best times for photography
March Golden Hour
06:20 - 07:20
Blue hour from 05:50
17:30 - 18:30
Blue hour until 19:00
Best Months
- 1Year-round — Consistent golden hour length
- 2Apr-Oct — Milder temperatures for outdoor shoots
- 3Dec-Feb — 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 north during midday for even lighting on subjects
- Check the 3D shadow map to scout locations and predict light direction
Understanding Colombo's Sunlight
AI-powered insights for your location
Colombo's mid-latitude location (25.3°S) creates moderate seasonal variation, with winter days 3.1 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 88° at summer noon but only 41° 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 Colombo. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
Solar Energy Potential
Is Colombo good for solar panels?
With approximately 1,973 annual sun hours, Colombo has good solar potential. A well-designed system can significantly reduce electricity costs.
Annual Sun Hours
1,973
estimated
Optimal Panel Tilt
25°
facing north
Peak Production
Dec, Jan, Nov
highest output
Relative Monthly Production
Installation Tips for Colombo
- Orient panels north with a 25° 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 (40°), flatter in summer (10°)
UV Index & Sun Safety
Protect yourself in Colombo
March UV Index
Maximum protection essential. Avoid outdoor activities during peak hours.
Monthly UV Index
Peak UV Months
Jan, Feb, Oct have the highest UV levels (up to 13). 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 Colombo
Best times for popular activities
Best Activities in March
Outdoor Dining
56% match
Hiking & Walking
56% match
Gardening
56% 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 | 05:42 | 19:09 | 13h 24m | 85° |
☀️February | 06:05 | 18:56 | 12h 50m | 77° |
March | 06:20 | 18:30 | 12h 8m | 66° |
April | 06:34 | 17:58 | 11h 25m | 55° |
May | 06:49 | 17:36 | 10h 49m | 46° |
June | 07:03 | 17:31 | 10h 31m | 42° |
July | 07:04 | 17:41 | 10h 40m | 44° |
August | 06:47 | 17:55 | 11h 10m | 51° |
September | 06:16 | 18:07 | 11h 52m | 62° |
October | 05:45 | 18:20 | 12h 36m | 74° |
November | 05:23 | 18:39 | 13h 14m | 83° |
☀️December | 05:23 | 19:00 | 13h 34m | 88° |
Summer Solstice
13.6h daylight
Winter Solstice
10.5h daylight
Explore Nearby Cities
Sunlight data for surrounding areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Sunlight in Colombo
1How many hours of sunlight does Colombo get?
How many hours of sunlight does Colombo get?
Colombo receives an average of 12 hours of daylight per day. This varies throughout the year, from 10.5 hours on the shortest day to 13.6 hours on the longest day.
2What is the sun angle in Colombo during winter?
What is the sun angle in Colombo during winter?
During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 41.3° above the horizon at solar noon in Colombo. This creates shadows that are 1.1x the height of objects.
3When is the best time for outdoor activities in Colombo?
When is the best time for outdoor activities in Colombo?
October through March offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Southern Hemisphere.
4How do I plan a garden in Colombo for maximum sunlight?
How do I plan a garden in Colombo for maximum sunlight?
North-facing gardens receive the most consistent sunlight year-round in Colombo. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
5What time is golden hour in Colombo?
What time is golden hour in Colombo?
In March, golden hour in Colombo occurs in the morning from 06:20 - 07:20 and in the evening from 17:30 - 18:30. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.
6What is the UV index in Colombo?
What is the UV index in Colombo?
The UV index in Colombo varies by season. During summer, UV can reach 13 (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 Colombo?
Are solar panels worth it in Colombo?
Colombo receives approximately 1,973 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 25° tilt angle.
8When is sunrise and sunset in Colombo?
When is sunrise and sunset in Colombo?
In March, sunrise in Colombo is around 06:20 and sunset is around 18:30, giving 12.1 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (05:26) and latest sunset follows shortly after.
9What is the best month to visit Colombo for weather?
What is the best month to visit Colombo for weather?
For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in Colombo, 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.
10How long are shadows in Colombo?
How long are shadows in Colombo?
Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Colombo. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.0x the height of objects (sun at 88°). In winter, shadows extend to 1.1x object height (sun at just 41°).