Sunlight Hours in Edinburgh
Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Interactive 3D Shadow Map
Summer afternoon in Edinburgh
Edinburgh
3:30 PM • Summer Solstice
Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of Edinburgh. 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
06:32
Sunset
18:12
Total Daylight
11h 43m
Sun Altitude
32°
at noon
Seasonal Extremes
Longest Day
17.4h
2026-06-21
Shortest Day
6.8h
2026-12-21
Explore Shadows in 3D
See exactly how building shadows fall across Edinburgh at any time of day or year.
55.9521°
-3.1965°
Best Time to Visit Edinburgh
Month-by-month daylight conditions
Edinburgh experiences significant seasonal variation with 17.4h of daylight in summer vs 6.8h in winter. Plan outdoor activities for late spring through early autumn.
Peak Months
Jun, Jul, May, Aug
Shoulder Season
Apr & Sep
Winter
Jan
7.6h
Limited
Winter
Feb
9.5h
Fair
Spring
Mar
11.7h
Good
Spring
Apr
14.1h
Excellent
Spring
May
16.1h
Excellent
Summer
Jun
17.2h
Excellent
Summer
Jul
16.7h
Excellent
Summer
Aug
14.9h
Excellent
Autumn
Sep
12.6h
Great
Autumn
Oct
10.3h
Fair
Autumn
Nov
8.2h
Limited
Winter
Dec
7.0h
Limited
Golden Hour in Edinburgh
Best times for photography
March Golden Hour
06:32 - 07:32
Blue hour from 06:02
17:12 - 18:12
Blue hour until 18:42
Best Months
- 1May-Jun — Long golden hours, lush landscapes
- 2Sep-Oct — Warm light + fall foliage
- 3Dec — Low sun angle all day
Photography Tips
- Summer golden hours are longer and more gradual than in tropical locations
- Autumn and spring offer the most balanced lighting conditions
- Face south during midday for even lighting on subjects
- Check the 3D shadow map to scout locations and predict light direction
Understanding Edinburgh's Sunlight
AI-powered insights for your location
Edinburgh's high-latitude location (56.0°N) creates significant seasonal variation, with winter days 10.6 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 58° at summer noon but only 11° in winter.
Key Challenges
- 1Very low winter sun angle (11°) creates long shadows
- 2Winter shadows extend 5.3x object height
- 3Large daylight variation (10.6h) between seasons
- 4Short winter days (6.8h) limit outdoor activities
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 Edinburgh. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
Solar Energy Potential
Is Edinburgh good for solar panels?
With approximately 1,687 annual sun hours, Edinburgh has good solar potential. A well-designed system can significantly reduce electricity costs.
Annual Sun Hours
1,687
estimated
Optimal Panel Tilt
56°
facing south
Peak Production
Jun, Jul, May
highest output
Relative Monthly Production
Installation Tips for Edinburgh
- Orient panels south with a 56° 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 (71°), flatter in summer (41°)
UV Index & Sun Safety
Protect yourself in Edinburgh
March UV Index
Protection required. Reduce sun exposure during midday.
Monthly UV Index
Peak UV Months
May, Jun, Jul have the highest UV levels (up to 9). Take extra precautions during these months.
Protection Needed
- SPF 30+ sunscreen (reapply every 2h)
- Protective clothing and hat
- Seek shade 10am-4pm
Outdoor Activities in Edinburgh
Best times for popular activities
Best Activities in March
Gardening
33% match
Outdoor Dining
23% match
Hiking & Walking
23% 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 | 08:38 | 16:05 | 7h 35m | 14° |
February | 07:42 | 17:12 | 9h 29m | 22° |
March | 06:32 | 18:12 | 11h 43m | 32° |
April | 06:11 | 20:15 | 14h 4m | 44° |
May | 05:05 | 21:14 | 16h 7m | 53° |
☀️June | 04:32 | 21:54 | 17h 14m | 57° |
☀️July | 04:53 | 21:43 | 16h 41m | 55° |
☀️August | 05:48 | 20:44 | 14h 52m | 48° |
September | 06:48 | 19:26 | 12h 36m | 37° |
October | 07:48 | 18:08 | 10h 17m | 25° |
November | 07:53 | 16:00 | 8h 9m | 16° |
December | 08:43 | 15:32 | 6h 59m | 11° |
Summer Solstice
17.4h daylight
Winter Solstice
6.8h daylight
Explore Nearby Cities
Sunlight data for surrounding areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Sunlight in Edinburgh
1How many hours of sunlight does Edinburgh get?
How many hours of sunlight does Edinburgh get?
Edinburgh receives an average of 12.1 hours of daylight per day. This varies throughout the year, from 6.8 hours on the shortest day to 17.4 hours on the longest day.
2What is the sun angle in Edinburgh during winter?
What is the sun angle in Edinburgh during winter?
During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 10.6° above the horizon at solar noon in Edinburgh. This creates shadows that are 5.3x the height of objects.
3When is the best time for outdoor activities in Edinburgh?
When is the best time for outdoor activities in Edinburgh?
April through September offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Northern Hemisphere.
4How do I plan a garden in Edinburgh for maximum sunlight?
How do I plan a garden in Edinburgh for maximum sunlight?
South-facing gardens receive the most consistent sunlight year-round in Edinburgh. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
5What time is golden hour in Edinburgh?
What time is golden hour in Edinburgh?
In March, golden hour in Edinburgh occurs in the morning from 06:32 - 07:32 and in the evening from 17:12 - 18:12. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.
6What is the UV index in Edinburgh?
What is the UV index in Edinburgh?
The UV index in Edinburgh varies by season. During summer, UV can reach 10 (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 Edinburgh?
Are solar panels worth it in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh receives approximately 1,687 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 56° tilt angle.
8When is sunrise and sunset in Edinburgh?
When is sunrise and sunset in Edinburgh?
In March, sunrise in Edinburgh is around 06:32 and sunset is around 18:12, giving 11.7 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (04:32) and latest sunset follows shortly after.
9What is the best month to visit Edinburgh for weather?
What is the best month to visit Edinburgh for weather?
For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in Edinburgh, 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 Edinburgh?
How long are shadows in Edinburgh?
Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Edinburgh. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.6x the height of objects (sun at 58°). In winter, shadows extend to 5.3x object height (sun at just 11°).