Sunlight Hours in Columbus
Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Columbus, Georgia, United States
Interactive 3D Shadow Map
Summer afternoon in Columbus
Columbus
3:30 PM • Summer Solstice
Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of Columbus. 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
07:52
Sunset
19:45
Total Daylight
11h 54m
Sun Altitude
56°
at noon
Seasonal Extremes
Longest Day
14.2h
2026-06-21
Shortest Day
9.9h
2026-12-21
Explore Shadows in 3D
See exactly how building shadows fall across Columbus at any time of day or year.
32.4610°
-84.9877°
Best Time to Visit Columbus
Month-by-month daylight conditions
Columbus has moderate seasonal variation (4.3h 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
10.2h
Fair
Winter
Feb
11.0h
Good
Spring
Mar
11.9h
Great
Spring
Apr
12.9h
Excellent
Spring
May
13.7h
Excellent
Summer
Jun
14.1h
Excellent
Summer
Jul
13.9h
Excellent
Summer
Aug
13.2h
Excellent
Autumn
Sep
12.3h
Great
Autumn
Oct
11.3h
Good
Autumn
Nov
10.4h
Good
Winter
Dec
10.0h
Fair
Golden Hour in Columbus
Best times for photography
March Golden Hour
07:52 - 08:52
Blue hour from 07:22
18:45 - 19:45
Blue hour until 20:15
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
Understanding Columbus's Sunlight
AI-powered insights for your location
Columbus's mid-latitude location (32.5°N) creates moderate seasonal variation, with winter days 4.3 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 81° at summer noon but only 34° in winter.
Key Challenges
- 1Low winter sun angle (34°) affects south-facing properties
- 2Consider local weather patterns that may affect sunshine
- 3Urban 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 Columbus. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
Solar Energy Potential
Is Columbus good for solar panels?
With approximately 1,984 annual sun hours, Columbus has good solar potential. A well-designed system can significantly reduce electricity costs.
Annual Sun Hours
1,984
estimated
Optimal Panel Tilt
32°
facing south
Peak Production
Jun, Jul, May
highest output
Relative Monthly Production
Installation Tips for Columbus
- Orient panels south with a 32° 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 (47°), flatter in summer (17°)
UV Index & Sun Safety
Protect yourself in Columbus
March UV Index
Maximum protection essential. Avoid outdoor activities during peak hours.
Monthly UV Index
Peak UV Months
Jun, Jul, Apr 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 Columbus
Best times for popular activities
Best Activities in March
Gardening
54% match
Outdoor Dining
24% match
Hiking & Walking
24% 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 | 07:44 | 17:54 | 10h 13m | 37° |
February | 07:25 | 18:23 | 10h 58m | 45° |
March | 07:52 | 19:45 | 11h 54m | 56° |
April | 07:13 | 20:07 | 12h 53m | 67° |
May | 06:44 | 20:28 | 13h 43m | 76° |
☀️June | 06:35 | 20:45 | 14h 7m | 80° |
☀️July | 06:46 | 20:45 | 13h 55m | 78° |
☀️August | 07:06 | 20:21 | 13h 13m | 71° |
September | 07:26 | 19:43 | 12h 16m | 60° |
October | 07:46 | 19:04 | 11h 17m | 49° |
November | 07:12 | 17:36 | 10h 25m | 39° |
December | 07:37 | 17:33 | 9h 59m | 35° |
Summer Solstice
14.2h daylight
Winter Solstice
9.9h daylight
Explore Nearby Cities
Sunlight data for surrounding areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Sunlight in Columbus
1How many hours of sunlight does Columbus get?
How many hours of sunlight does Columbus get?
Columbus receives an average of 12.1 hours of daylight per day. This varies throughout the year, from 9.9 hours on the shortest day to 14.2 hours on the longest day.
2What is the sun angle in Columbus during winter?
What is the sun angle in Columbus during winter?
During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 34.1° above the horizon at solar noon in Columbus. This creates shadows that are 1.5x the height of objects.
3When is the best time for outdoor activities in Columbus?
When is the best time for outdoor activities in Columbus?
April through September offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Northern Hemisphere.
4How do I plan a garden in Columbus for maximum sunlight?
How do I plan a garden in Columbus for maximum sunlight?
South-facing gardens receive the most consistent sunlight year-round in Columbus. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
5What time is golden hour in Columbus?
What time is golden hour in Columbus?
In March, golden hour in Columbus occurs in the morning from 07:52 - 08:52 and in the evening from 18:45 - 19:45. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.
6What is the UV index in Columbus?
What is the UV index in Columbus?
The UV index in Columbus 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 Columbus?
Are solar panels worth it in Columbus?
Columbus receives approximately 1,984 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 32° tilt angle.
8When is sunrise and sunset in Columbus?
When is sunrise and sunset in Columbus?
In March, sunrise in Columbus is around 07:52 and sunset is around 19:45, giving 11.9 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (06:36) and latest sunset follows shortly after.
9What is the best month to visit Columbus for weather?
What is the best month to visit Columbus for weather?
For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in Columbus, 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 Columbus?
How long are shadows in Columbus?
Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Columbus. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.2x the height of objects (sun at 81°). In winter, shadows extend to 1.5x object height (sun at just 34°).