Sunlight Hours in Des Moines
Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Interactive 3D Shadow Map
Summer afternoon in Des Moines
Des Moines
3:30 PM • Summer Solstice
Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of Des Moines. 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
07:29
Sunset
19:18
Total Daylight
11h 51m
Sun Altitude
47°
at noon
Seasonal Extremes
Longest Day
15.1h
2026-06-21
Shortest Day
9.0h
2026-12-21
Explore Shadows in 3D
See exactly how building shadows fall across Des Moines at any time of day or year.
41.6005°
-93.6091°
Best Time to Visit Des Moines
Month-by-month daylight conditions
Des Moines has moderate seasonal variation (6.0h 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
9.5h
Fair
Winter
Feb
10.5h
Good
Spring
Mar
11.8h
Great
Spring
Apr
13.2h
Excellent
Spring
May
14.4h
Excellent
Summer
Jun
15.0h
Excellent
Summer
Jul
14.7h
Excellent
Summer
Aug
13.7h
Excellent
Autumn
Sep
12.4h
Great
Autumn
Oct
11.0h
Good
Autumn
Nov
9.8h
Fair
Winter
Dec
9.1h
Fair
Golden Hour in Des Moines
Best times for photography
March Golden Hour
07:29 - 08:29
Blue hour from 06:59
18:18 - 19:18
Blue hour until 19:48
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 Des Moines's Sunlight
AI-powered insights for your location
Des Moines's mid-latitude location (41.6°N) creates moderate seasonal variation, with winter days 6.0 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 72° at summer noon but only 25° in winter.
Key Challenges
- 1Low winter sun angle (25°) affects south-facing properties
- 2Winter shadows extend 2.1x object height
- 3Large daylight variation (6.0h) between seasons
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 Des Moines. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
Solar Energy Potential
Is Des Moines good for solar panels?
With approximately 1,988 annual sun hours, Des Moines has good solar potential. A well-designed system can significantly reduce electricity costs.
Annual Sun Hours
1,988
estimated
Optimal Panel Tilt
42°
facing south
Peak Production
Jun, Jul, May
highest output
Relative Monthly Production
Installation Tips for Des Moines
- Orient panels south with a 42° 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 (57°), flatter in summer (27°)
UV Index & Sun Safety
Protect yourself in Des Moines
March UV Index
Extra protection needed. Avoid midday sun if possible.
Monthly UV Index
Peak UV Months
Jun, May, Jul have the highest UV levels (up to 12). Take extra precautions during these months.
Protection Needed
- SPF 50+ sunscreen (reapply frequently)
- Cover up with clothing
- Avoid sun exposure 10am-4pm
Outdoor Activities in Des Moines
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 | 07:42 | 17:05 | 9h 29m | 28° |
February | 07:12 | 17:44 | 10h 32m | 36° |
March | 07:29 | 19:18 | 11h 51m | 47° |
April | 06:37 | 19:52 | 13h 14m | 58° |
May | 05:58 | 20:23 | 14h 24m | 67° |
☀️June | 05:43 | 20:46 | 14h 59m | 71° |
☀️July | 05:57 | 20:43 | 14h 42m | 69° |
☀️August | 06:26 | 20:10 | 13h 41m | 62° |
September | 06:57 | 19:20 | 12h 22m | 51° |
October | 07:29 | 18:29 | 10h 59m | 40° |
November | 07:06 | 16:50 | 9h 46m | 30° |
December | 07:37 | 16:41 | 9h 8m | 26° |
Summer Solstice
15.1h daylight
Winter Solstice
9.0h daylight
Explore Nearby Cities
Sunlight data for surrounding areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Sunlight in Des Moines
1How many hours of sunlight does Des Moines get?
How many hours of sunlight does Des Moines get?
Des Moines receives an average of 12.1 hours of daylight per day. This varies throughout the year, from 9.0 hours on the shortest day to 15.1 hours on the longest day.
2What is the sun angle in Des Moines during winter?
What is the sun angle in Des Moines during winter?
During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 25.0° above the horizon at solar noon in Des Moines. This creates shadows that are 2.1x the height of objects.
3When is the best time for outdoor activities in Des Moines?
When is the best time for outdoor activities in Des Moines?
April through September offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Northern Hemisphere.
4How do I plan a garden in Des Moines for maximum sunlight?
How do I plan a garden in Des Moines for maximum sunlight?
South-facing gardens receive the most consistent sunlight year-round in Des Moines. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
5What time is golden hour in Des Moines?
What time is golden hour in Des Moines?
In March, golden hour in Des Moines occurs in the morning from 07:29 - 08:29 and in the evening from 18:18 - 19:18. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.
6What is the UV index in Des Moines?
What is the UV index in Des Moines?
The UV index in Des Moines varies by season. During summer, UV can reach 12 (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 Des Moines?
Are solar panels worth it in Des Moines?
Des Moines receives approximately 1,988 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 42° tilt angle.
8When is sunrise and sunset in Des Moines?
When is sunrise and sunset in Des Moines?
In March, sunrise in Des Moines is around 07:29 and sunset is around 19:18, giving 11.8 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (05:44) and latest sunset follows shortly after.
9What is the best month to visit Des Moines for weather?
What is the best month to visit Des Moines for weather?
For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in Des Moines, 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 Des Moines?
How long are shadows in Des Moines?
Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Des Moines. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.3x the height of objects (sun at 72°). In winter, shadows extend to 2.1x object height (sun at just 25°).