Sunlight Hours in Espoo
Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Espoo, Finland
Interactive 3D Shadow Map
Summer afternoon in Espoo
Espoo
3:30 PM • Summer Solstice
Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of Espoo. 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
06:43
Sunset
18:18
Total Daylight
11h 39m
Sun Altitude
28°
at noon
Seasonal Extremes
Longest Day
18.7h
2026-06-21
Shortest Day
5.6h
2026-12-21
Explore Shadows in 3D
See exactly how building shadows fall across Espoo at any time of day or year.
60.2052°
24.6522°
Best Time to Visit Espoo
Month-by-month daylight conditions
Espoo's high latitude creates extreme seasonal variation. Summer offers up to 18.7 hours of daylight, while winter days are as short as 5.6 hours.
Peak Months
Jun, Jul, May, Aug
Shoulder Season
Apr & Sep
Winter
Jan
6.6h
Limited
Winter
Feb
9.0h
Limited
Spring
Mar
11.7h
Good
Spring
Apr
14.4h
Excellent
Spring
May
17.0h
Excellent
Summer
Jun
18.4h
Excellent
Summer
Jul
17.7h
Excellent
Summer
Aug
15.4h
Excellent
Autumn
Sep
12.7h
Great
Autumn
Oct
10.0h
Fair
Autumn
Nov
7.3h
Limited
Winter
Dec
5.8h
Limited
Golden Hour in Espoo
Best times for photography
March Golden Hour
06:43 - 07:43
Blue hour from 06:13
17:18 - 18:18
Blue hour until 18:48
Best Months
- 1May-Jul — Midnight sun / extended golden hour
- 2Sep-Oct — Northern lights + autumn colors
- 3Dec-Jan — Blue hour all day, dramatic light
Photography Tips
- During summer, enjoy extended golden hours that can last for hours due to the low sun angle
- Winter offers dramatic low-angle light even at midday, perfect for moody landscapes
- Face south during midday for even lighting on subjects
- Check the 3D shadow map to scout locations and predict light direction
Understanding Espoo's Sunlight
AI-powered insights for your location
Espoo's high-latitude location (60.2°N) creates significant seasonal variation, with winter days 13.1 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 53° at summer noon but only 6° in winter.
Key Challenges
- 1Very low winter sun angle (6°) creates long shadows
- 2Winter shadows extend 9.0x object height
- 3Large daylight variation (13.1h) between seasons
- 4Short winter days (5.6h) 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 Espoo. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
Solar Energy Potential
Is Espoo good for solar panels?
Espoo receives around 1,335 sun hours annually. Solar panels are viable but may have longer payback periods. Consider high-efficiency panels.
Annual Sun Hours
1,335
estimated
Optimal Panel Tilt
60°
facing south
Peak Production
Jun, Jul, May
highest output
Relative Monthly Production
Installation Tips for Espoo
- Orient panels south with a 60° 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 (75°), flatter in summer (45°)
UV Index & Sun Safety
Protect yourself in Espoo
March UV Index
Take precautions during midday hours (10am-4pm).
Monthly UV Index
Peak UV Months
Jun, Jul, May have the highest UV levels (up to 9). Take extra precautions during these months.
Protection Needed
- SPF 30+ sunscreen
- Wear a hat and sunglasses
- Seek shade during midday
Outdoor Activities in Espoo
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 | 09:17 | 15:44 | 6h 38m | 9° |
February | 08:05 | 17:06 | 9h 0m | 17° |
March | 06:43 | 18:18 | 11h 39m | 28° |
April | 06:09 | 20:35 | 14h 27m | 40° |
May | 04:48 | 21:48 | 16h 58m | 48° |
☀️June | 04:03 | 22:40 | 18h 26m | 53° |
☀️July | 04:29 | 22:23 | 17h 44m | 51° |
☀️August | 05:39 | 21:10 | 15h 26m | 43° |
September | 06:53 | 19:38 | 12h 43m | 33° |
October | 08:05 | 18:07 | 9h 58m | 21° |
November | 08:26 | 15:45 | 7h 21m | 12° |
December | 09:27 | 15:05 | 5h 50m | 7° |
Summer Solstice
18.7h daylight
Winter Solstice
5.6h daylight
Explore Nearby Cities
Sunlight data for surrounding areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Sunlight in Espoo
1How many hours of sunlight does Espoo get?
How many hours of sunlight does Espoo get?
Espoo receives an average of 12.2 hours of daylight per day. This varies throughout the year, from 5.6 hours on the shortest day to 18.7 hours on the longest day.
2What is the sun angle in Espoo during winter?
What is the sun angle in Espoo during winter?
During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 6.4° above the horizon at solar noon in Espoo. This creates shadows that are 9.0x the height of objects.
3When is the best time for outdoor activities in Espoo?
When is the best time for outdoor activities in Espoo?
April through September offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Northern Hemisphere.
4How do I plan a garden in Espoo for maximum sunlight?
How do I plan a garden in Espoo for maximum sunlight?
South-facing gardens receive the most consistent sunlight year-round in Espoo. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
5What time is golden hour in Espoo?
What time is golden hour in Espoo?
In March, golden hour in Espoo occurs in the morning from 06:43 - 07:43 and in the evening from 17:18 - 18:18. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.
6What is the UV index in Espoo?
What is the UV index in Espoo?
The UV index in Espoo varies by season. During summer, UV can reach 9 (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 Espoo?
Are solar panels worth it in Espoo?
Espoo receives approximately 1,335 hours of sunshine annually. Solar is viable but evaluate costs carefully as payback periods may be longer. For optimal performance, orient panels south at a 60° tilt angle.
8When is sunrise and sunset in Espoo?
When is sunrise and sunset in Espoo?
In March, sunrise in Espoo is around 06:43 and sunset is around 18:18, giving 11.7 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (04:02) and latest sunset follows shortly after.
9What is the best month to visit Espoo for weather?
What is the best month to visit Espoo for weather?
For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in Espoo, 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 Espoo?
How long are shadows in Espoo?
Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Espoo. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.8x the height of objects (sun at 53°). In winter, shadows extend to 9.0x object height (sun at just 6°).