Sunlight Hours in Kyoto
Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Kyoto, Japan
Interactive 3D Shadow Map
Summer afternoon in Kyoto
Kyoto
3:30 PM • Summer Solstice
Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of Kyoto. 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
06:09
Sunset
18:02
Total Daylight
11h 54m
Sun Altitude
54°
at noon
Seasonal Extremes
Longest Day
14.4h
2026-06-21
Shortest Day
9.7h
2026-12-21
Explore Shadows in 3D
See exactly how building shadows fall across Kyoto at any time of day or year.
35.0211°
135.7538°
Best Time to Visit Kyoto
Month-by-month daylight conditions
Kyoto has moderate seasonal variation (4.7h 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
10.0h
Fair
Winter
Feb
10.9h
Good
Spring
Mar
11.9h
Great
Spring
Apr
13.0h
Excellent
Spring
May
13.9h
Excellent
Summer
Jun
14.3h
Excellent
Summer
Jul
14.1h
Excellent
Summer
Aug
13.3h
Excellent
Autumn
Sep
12.3h
Great
Autumn
Oct
11.2h
Good
Autumn
Nov
10.2h
Fair
Winter
Dec
9.8h
Fair
Golden Hour in Kyoto
Best times for photography
March Golden Hour
06:09 - 07:09
Blue hour from 05:39
17:02 - 18:02
Blue hour until 18:32
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 Kyoto's Sunlight
AI-powered insights for your location
Kyoto's mid-latitude location (35.0°N) creates moderate seasonal variation, with winter days 4.7 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 78° at summer noon but only 32° in winter.
Key Challenges
- 1Low winter sun angle (32°) 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 Kyoto. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
Solar Energy Potential
Is Kyoto good for solar panels?
With approximately 1,985 annual sun hours, Kyoto has good solar potential. A well-designed system can significantly reduce electricity costs.
Annual Sun Hours
1,985
estimated
Optimal Panel Tilt
35°
facing south
Peak Production
Jun, Jul, May
highest output
Relative Monthly Production
Installation Tips for Kyoto
- Orient panels south with a 35° 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 (50°), flatter in summer (20°)
UV Index & Sun Safety
Protect yourself in Kyoto
March UV Index
Extra protection needed. Avoid midday sun if possible.
Monthly UV Index
Peak UV Months
May, Jun, 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 Kyoto
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 | 07:07 | 17:06 | 10h 2m | 35° |
February | 06:45 | 17:37 | 10h 52m | 43° |
March | 06:09 | 18:02 | 11h 54m | 54° |
April | 05:27 | 18:27 | 13h 0m | 65° |
May | 04:56 | 18:51 | 13h 54m | 74° |
☀️June | 04:45 | 19:09 | 14h 20m | 78° |
☀️July | 04:57 | 19:08 | 14h 7m | 76° |
☀️August | 05:20 | 18:41 | 13h 19m | 68° |
September | 05:43 | 18:00 | 12h 17m | 57° |
October | 06:06 | 17:18 | 11h 11m | 46° |
November | 06:34 | 16:48 | 10h 14m | 37° |
December | 07:01 | 16:43 | 9h 46m | 32° |
Summer Solstice
14.4h daylight
Winter Solstice
9.7h daylight
Explore Nearby Cities
Sunlight data for surrounding areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Sunlight in Kyoto
1How many hours of sunlight does Kyoto get?
How many hours of sunlight does Kyoto get?
Kyoto receives an average of 12.1 hours of daylight per day. This varies throughout the year, from 9.7 hours on the shortest day to 14.4 hours on the longest day.
2What is the sun angle in Kyoto during winter?
What is the sun angle in Kyoto during winter?
During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 31.5° above the horizon at solar noon in Kyoto. This creates shadows that are 1.6x the height of objects.
3When is the best time for outdoor activities in Kyoto?
When is the best time for outdoor activities in Kyoto?
April through September offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Northern Hemisphere.
4How do I plan a garden in Kyoto for maximum sunlight?
How do I plan a garden in Kyoto for maximum sunlight?
South-facing gardens receive the most consistent sunlight year-round in Kyoto. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
5What time is golden hour in Kyoto?
What time is golden hour in Kyoto?
In March, golden hour in Kyoto occurs in the morning from 06:09 - 07:09 and in the evening from 17:02 - 18:02. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.
6What is the UV index in Kyoto?
What is the UV index in Kyoto?
The UV index in Kyoto 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 Kyoto?
Are solar panels worth it in Kyoto?
Kyoto receives approximately 1,985 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 35° tilt angle.
8When is sunrise and sunset in Kyoto?
When is sunrise and sunset in Kyoto?
In March, sunrise in Kyoto is around 06:09 and sunset is around 18:02, giving 11.9 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (04:46) and latest sunset follows shortly after.
9What is the best month to visit Kyoto for weather?
What is the best month to visit Kyoto for weather?
For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in Kyoto, 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 Kyoto?
How long are shadows in Kyoto?
Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Kyoto. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.2x the height of objects (sun at 78°). In winter, shadows extend to 1.6x object height (sun at just 32°).