Sunlight Analysis

Sunlight Hours in Lilongwe

Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Lilongwe, MW

Interactive 3D Shadow Map

Summer afternoon in Lilongwe

Lilongwe

3:30 PM • Summer Solstice

Full Screen

Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of Lilongwe. 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.

Drag to rotateScroll to zoomWatch shadows move in real-time

Today's Sunlight

March Average

Sunrise

05:50

Sunset

17:56

Total Daylight

12h 5m

Sun Altitude

78°

at noon

Seasonal Extremes

☀️

Longest Day

12.9h

2026-12-21

❄️

Shortest Day

11.2h

2026-06-21

Interactive 3D

Explore Shadows in 3D

See exactly how building shadows fall across Lilongwe at any time of day or year.

Location
Lat

-13.9669°

Lng

33.7873°

Launch 3D Map

Best Time to Visit Lilongwe

Month-by-month daylight conditions

Lilongwe lies in the tropics with consistent daylight year-round. Any time of year offers good sunlight conditions.

Peak Months

Dec, Jan, Nov, Feb

Shoulder Season

Oct & Mar

Summer

Jan

12.8h

Excellent

Summer

Feb

12.5h

Excellent

Autumn

Mar

12.1h

Great

Autumn

Apr

11.7h

Great

Autumn

May

11.4h

Good

Winter

Jun

11.2h

Good

Winter

Jul

11.3h

Good

Winter

Aug

11.6h

Great

Spring

Sep

11.9h

Great

Spring

Oct

12.3h

Excellent

Spring

Nov

12.7h

Excellent

Summer

Dec

12.8h

Excellent

Excellent (14h+) Great (12-14h) Good (10-12h) Fair (8-10h) Limited (<8h)

Golden Hour in Lilongwe

Best times for photography

March Golden Hour

Morning

05:50 - 06:50

Blue hour from 05:20

Evening

16:56 - 17:56

Blue hour until 18:26

Best Months

  • 1Year-roundConsistent golden hour length
  • 2Apr-OctMilder temperatures for outdoor shoots
  • 3Dec-FebLatest sunsets for evening shoots

Photography Tips

  • In the tropics, golden hour is brief but intense - arrive early to your location
  • The sun rises and sets nearly vertically, creating short but vibrant color displays
  • Face north during midday for even lighting on subjects
  • Check the 3D shadow map to scout locations and predict light direction

Understanding Lilongwe's Sunlight

AI-powered insights for your location

Lilongwe's tropical location (14.0°S) creates minimal seasonal variation, with winter days 1.6 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 80° at summer noon but only 53° in winter.

Key Challenges

  • 1Consider local weather patterns that may affect sunshine
  • 2Urban buildings may create additional shadows

Best Months

October through March offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Southern Hemisphere.

Garden Tips

North-facing gardens receive the most consistent sunlight year-round in Lilongwe. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.

Solar Energy Potential

Is Lilongwe good for solar panels?

Lilongwe receives approximately 2,414 hours of sunshine annually, making it an excellent location for solar energy. Most residential installations achieve payback within 5-7 years.

Annual Sun Hours

2,414

estimated

Optimal Panel Tilt

14°

facing north

Peak Production

Feb, Nov, Oct

highest output

Relative Monthly Production

Jan
98%
Feb
99%
Mar
87%
Apr
72%
May
60%
Jun
55%
Jul
57%
Aug
67%
Sep
81%
Oct
96%
Nov
100%
Dec
96%

Installation Tips for Lilongwe

  • Orient panels north with a 14° 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 (29°), flatter in summer (10°)

UV Index & Sun Safety

Protect yourself in Lilongwe

March UV Index

14Extreme

Maximum protection essential. Avoid outdoor activities during peak hours.

UV Index Scale:
1-2 Low3-5 Mod6-7 High8-10 V.High11+ Ext

Monthly UV Index

14
Jan
14
Feb
14
Mar
13
Apr
12
May
11
Jun
12
Jul
12
Aug
13
Sep
14
Oct
14
Nov
14
Dec

Peak UV Months

Jan, Feb, Mar have the highest UV levels (up to 14). 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 Lilongwe

Best times for popular activities

Best Activities in March

🥇

Outdoor Dining

26% match

🥈

Hiking & Walking

26% match

🥉

Beach & Swimming

26% match

Year-Round Activity Guide

ActivityJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Outdoor Dining
Hiking & Walking
Beach & Swimming
Photography
Gardening
Running & Cycling
Best months Good Fair Limited Current month

Outdoor Dining

Enjoy al fresco dining during the warmer months with longer evening light.

Best:May, Jun, Jul

Hiking & Walking

Mild temperatures and good daylight make spring and autumn ideal for trails.

Best:May, Jun, Jul

Beach & Swimming

Peak sun and warmest temperatures during summer months.

Best:May, Jun, Jul

Seasonal Sunlight Calendar

Monthly averages throughout the year

MonthSunriseSunsetDaylightSun Angle
☀️January
05:3018:17
12h 45m
84°
☀️February
05:4418:12
12h 28m
87°
March
05:5017:56
12h 5m
78°
April
05:5317:35
11h 43m
66°
May
05:5917:22
11h 23m
57°
June
06:0817:21
11h 14m
53°
July
06:1217:29
11h 19m
55°
August
06:0217:36
11h 35m
63°
September
05:4217:38
11h 56m
73°
October
05:2117:40
12h 20m
85°
November
05:0917:49
12h 40m
86°
☀️December
05:1418:05
12h 50m
81°
☀️

Summer Solstice

12.9h daylight

❄️

Winter Solstice

11.2h daylight

Explore Nearby Cities

Sunlight data for surrounding areas

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunlight in Lilongwe

1

How many hours of sunlight does Lilongwe get?

Lilongwe receives an average of 12 hours of daylight per day. This varies throughout the year, from 11.2 hours on the shortest day to 12.9 hours on the longest day.

2

What is the sun angle in Lilongwe during winter?

During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 52.6° above the horizon at solar noon in Lilongwe. This creates shadows that are 0.8x the height of objects.

3

When is the best time for outdoor activities in Lilongwe?

October through March offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Southern Hemisphere.

4

How do I plan a garden in Lilongwe for maximum sunlight?

North-facing gardens receive the most consistent sunlight year-round in Lilongwe. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.

5

What time is golden hour in Lilongwe?

In March, golden hour in Lilongwe occurs in the morning from 05:50 - 06:50 and in the evening from 16:56 - 17:56. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.

6

What is the UV index in Lilongwe?

The UV index in Lilongwe varies by season. During summer, UV can reach 14 (very high), while winter UV levels are much lower. Always check daily UV forecasts and wear SPF 30+ sunscreen during peak hours (10am-4pm).

7

Are solar panels worth it in Lilongwe?

Lilongwe receives approximately 2,414 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 north at a 14° tilt angle.

8

When is sunrise and sunset in Lilongwe?

In March, sunrise in Lilongwe is around 05:50 and sunset is around 17:56, giving 12.1 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (05:16) and latest sunset follows shortly after.

9

What is the best month to visit Lilongwe for weather?

For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in Lilongwe, October through March offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Southern Hemisphere. The shoulder seasons often offer a good balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

10

How long are shadows in Lilongwe?

Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Lilongwe. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.2x the height of objects (sun at 81°). In winter, shadows extend to 0.8x object height (sun at just 53°).