Sunlight Hours in Colombo
Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Colombo, LK
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
06:19
Sunset
18:19
Total Daylight
12h 0m
Sun Altitude
81°
at noon
Seasonal Extremes
Longest Day
12.4h
2026-06-21
Shortest Day
11.6h
2026-12-21
Explore Shadows in 3D
See exactly how building shadows fall across Colombo at any time of day or year.
6.9355°
79.8487°
Best Time to Visit Colombo
Month-by-month daylight conditions
Colombo 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
11.7h
Great
Winter
Feb
11.8h
Great
Spring
Mar
12.0h
Great
Spring
Apr
12.2h
Great
Spring
May
12.3h
Great
Summer
Jun
12.4h
Great
Summer
Jul
12.4h
Great
Summer
Aug
12.3h
Great
Autumn
Sep
12.1h
Great
Autumn
Oct
11.9h
Great
Autumn
Nov
11.7h
Great
Winter
Dec
11.7h
Great
Golden Hour in Colombo
Best times for photography
March Golden Hour
06:19 - 07:19
Blue hour from 05:49
17:19 - 18:19
Blue hour until 18:49
Best Months
- 1Year-round — Consistent golden hour length
- 2Oct-Apr — Milder temperatures for outdoor shoots
- 3Jun-Aug — Latest 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 Colombo's Sunlight
AI-powered insights for your location
Colombo's tropical location (6.9°N) creates minimal seasonal variation, with winter days 0.8 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 74° at summer noon but only 60° 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 Colombo. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
Solar Energy Potential
Is Colombo good for solar panels?
Colombo receives approximately 2,417 hours of sunshine annually, making it an excellent location for solar energy. Most residential installations achieve payback within 5-7 years.
Annual Sun Hours
2,417
estimated
Optimal Panel Tilt
7°
facing south
Peak Production
Apr, Sep, Aug
highest output
Relative Monthly Production
Installation Tips for Colombo
- Orient panels south with a 7° 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 (22°), 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
Feb, Mar, Apr 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 Colombo
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
| 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 | 06:29 | 18:10 | 11h 41m | 63° |
February | 06:29 | 18:19 | 11h 50m | 71° |
March | 06:19 | 18:19 | 12h 0m | 81° |
April | 06:04 | 18:16 | 12h 11m | 86° |
May | 05:56 | 18:17 | 12h 21m | 78° |
☀️June | 05:57 | 18:24 | 12h 26m | 74° |
☀️July | 06:04 | 18:28 | 12h 23m | 76° |
☀️August | 06:07 | 18:23 | 12h 16m | 83° |
September | 06:03 | 18:08 | 12h 5m | 85° |
October | 05:59 | 17:53 | 11h 53m | 74° |
November | 06:03 | 17:46 | 11h 44m | 65° |
December | 06:16 | 17:54 | 11h 39m | 60° |
Summer Solstice
12.4h daylight
Winter Solstice
11.6h 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 11.6 hours on the shortest day to 12.4 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 59.6° above the horizon at solar noon in Colombo. This creates shadows that are 0.6x the height of objects.
3When is the best time for outdoor activities in Colombo?
When is the best time for outdoor activities in Colombo?
April through September offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Northern Hemisphere.
4How do I plan a garden in Colombo for maximum sunlight?
How do I plan a garden in Colombo for maximum sunlight?
South-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 06:19 - 07:19 and in the evening from 17:19 - 18:19. 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 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).
7Are solar panels worth it in Colombo?
Are solar panels worth it in Colombo?
Colombo receives approximately 2,417 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 7° tilt angle.
8When is sunrise and sunset in Colombo?
When is sunrise and sunset in Colombo?
In March, sunrise in Colombo is around 06:19 and sunset is around 18:19, giving 12.0 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (05:59) 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, 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 Colombo?
How long are shadows in Colombo?
Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Colombo. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.3x the height of objects (sun at 74°). In winter, shadows extend to 0.6x object height (sun at just 60°).