Sunlight Analysis

Sunlight Hours in Lubbock

Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Lubbock, Texas, United States

Interactive 3D Shadow Map

Summer afternoon in Lubbock

Lubbock

3:30 PM • Summer Solstice

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Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of Lubbock. 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.

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Today's Sunlight

March Average

Sunrise

08:00

Sunset

19:52

Total Daylight

11h 54m

Sun Altitude

55°

at noon

Seasonal Extremes

☀️

Longest Day

14.3h

2026-06-21

❄️

Shortest Day

9.8h

2026-12-21

Interactive 3D

Explore Shadows in 3D

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

Location
Lat

33.5779°

Lng

-101.8552°

Launch 3D Map

Best Time to Visit Lubbock

Month-by-month daylight conditions

Lubbock has moderate seasonal variation (4.5h 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

10.1h

Fair

Winter

Feb

10.9h

Good

Spring

Mar

11.9h

Great

Spring

Apr

12.9h

Excellent

Spring

May

13.8h

Excellent

Summer

Jun

14.2h

Excellent

Summer

Jul

14.0h

Excellent

Summer

Aug

13.3h

Excellent

Autumn

Sep

12.3h

Great

Autumn

Oct

11.3h

Good

Autumn

Nov

10.3h

Good

Winter

Dec

9.9h

Fair

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

Golden Hour in Lubbock

Best times for photography

March Golden Hour

Morning

08:00 - 09:00

Blue hour from 07:30

Evening

18:52 - 19:52

Blue hour until 20:22

Best Months

  • 1Year-roundConsistent golden hour length
  • 2Oct-AprMilder temperatures for outdoor shoots
  • 3Jun-AugLatest 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 Lubbock's Sunlight

AI-powered insights for your location

Lubbock's mid-latitude location (33.6°N) creates moderate seasonal variation, with winter days 4.5 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 80° at summer noon but only 33° in winter.

Key Challenges

  • 1Low winter sun angle (33°) 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 Lubbock. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.

Solar Energy Potential

Is Lubbock good for solar panels?

With approximately 1,985 annual sun hours, Lubbock has good solar potential. A well-designed system can significantly reduce electricity costs.

Annual Sun Hours

1,985

estimated

Optimal Panel Tilt

34°

facing south

Peak Production

Jun, Jul, May

highest output

Relative Monthly Production

Jan
32%
Feb
43%
Mar
58%
Apr
76%
May
92%
Jun
100%
Jul
96%
Aug
82%
Sep
64%
Oct
47%
Nov
35%
Dec
30%

Installation Tips for Lubbock

  • Orient panels south with a 34° 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 (49°), flatter in summer (19°)

UV Index & Sun Safety

Protect yourself in Lubbock

March UV Index

10Very High

Extra protection needed. Avoid midday sun if possible.

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

Monthly UV Index

8
Jan
9
Feb
10
Mar
12
Apr
12
May
13
Jun
12
Jul
12
Aug
11
Sep
9
Oct
8
Nov
7
Dec

Peak UV Months

Jun, Apr, May have the highest UV levels (up to 13). 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 Lubbock

Best times for popular activities

Best Activities in March

🥇

Gardening

54% match

🥈

Outdoor Dining

24% match

🥉

Hiking & Walking

24% 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:Jun, Jul, Aug

Hiking & Walking

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

Best:Apr, May, Sep

Beach & Swimming

Peak sun and warmest temperatures during summer months.

Best:Jun, Jul, Aug

Seasonal Sunlight Calendar

Monthly averages throughout the year

MonthSunriseSunsetDaylightSun Angle
January
07:5417:59
10h 8m
36°
February
07:3418:29
10h 55m
44°
March
08:0019:52
11h 54m
55°
April
07:1920:15
12h 56m
66°
May
06:4920:38
13h 47m
75°
☀️June
06:3920:56
14h 13m
79°
☀️July
06:5120:55
14h 1m
77°
☀️August
07:1220:30
13h 16m
70°
September
07:3319:50
12h 16m
59°
October
07:5519:10
11h 15m
48°
November
07:2217:41
10h 21m
38°
December
07:4717:37
9h 54m
34°
☀️

Summer Solstice

14.3h daylight

❄️

Winter Solstice

9.8h daylight

Explore Nearby Cities

Sunlight data for surrounding areas

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunlight in Lubbock

1

How many hours of sunlight does Lubbock get?

Lubbock receives an average of 12.1 hours of daylight per day. This varies throughout the year, from 9.8 hours on the shortest day to 14.3 hours on the longest day.

2

What is the sun angle in Lubbock during winter?

During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 33.0° above the horizon at solar noon in Lubbock. This creates shadows that are 1.5x the height of objects.

3

When is the best time for outdoor activities in Lubbock?

April through September offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Northern Hemisphere.

4

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

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

5

What time is golden hour in Lubbock?

In March, golden hour in Lubbock occurs in the morning from 08:00 - 09:00 and in the evening from 18:52 - 19:52. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.

6

What is the UV index in Lubbock?

The UV index in Lubbock varies by season. During summer, UV can reach 13 (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 Lubbock?

Lubbock 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 34° tilt angle.

8

When is sunrise and sunset in Lubbock?

In March, sunrise in Lubbock is around 08:00 and sunset is around 19:52, giving 11.9 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (06:40) and latest sunset follows shortly after.

9

What is the best month to visit Lubbock for weather?

For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in Lubbock, 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.

10

How long are shadows in Lubbock?

Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Lubbock. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.2x the height of objects (sun at 80°). In winter, shadows extend to 1.5x object height (sun at just 33°).