Sunlight Hours in Machala
Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Machala, EC
Interactive 3D Shadow Map
Summer afternoon in Machala
Machala
3:30 PM • Summer Solstice
Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of Machala. 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
06:27
Sunset
18:30
Total Daylight
12h 3m
Sun Altitude
86°
at noon
Seasonal Extremes
Longest Day
12.2h
2026-12-21
Shortest Day
11.8h
2026-06-21
Explore Shadows in 3D
See exactly how building shadows fall across Machala at any time of day or year.
-3.2589°
-79.9588°
Best Time to Visit Machala
Month-by-month daylight conditions
Machala 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
12.2h
Great
Summer
Feb
12.1h
Great
Autumn
Mar
12.1h
Great
Autumn
Apr
12.0h
Great
Autumn
May
11.9h
Great
Winter
Jun
11.8h
Great
Winter
Jul
11.9h
Great
Winter
Aug
11.9h
Great
Spring
Sep
12.0h
Great
Spring
Oct
12.1h
Great
Spring
Nov
12.2h
Great
Summer
Dec
12.2h
Great
Golden Hour in Machala
Best times for photography
March Golden Hour
06:27 - 07:27
Blue hour from 05:57
17:30 - 18:30
Blue hour until 19:00
Best Months
- 1Year-round — Consistent golden hour length
- 2Apr-Oct — Milder temperatures for outdoor shoots
- 3Dec-Feb — Latest 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 Machala's Sunlight
AI-powered insights for your location
Machala's tropical location (3.3°S) creates minimal seasonal variation, with winter days 0.4 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 70° at summer noon but only 63° 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 Machala. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
Solar Energy Potential
Is Machala good for solar panels?
Machala receives approximately 2,416 hours of sunshine annually, making it an excellent location for solar energy. Most residential installations achieve payback within 5-7 years.
Annual Sun Hours
2,416
estimated
Optimal Panel Tilt
3°
facing north
Peak Production
Mar, Oct, Sep
highest output
Relative Monthly Production
Installation Tips for Machala
- Orient panels north with a 3° 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 (18°), flatter in summer (10°)
UV Index & Sun Safety
Protect yourself in Machala
March UV Index
Maximum protection essential. Avoid outdoor activities during peak hours.
Monthly UV Index
Peak UV Months
Feb, Mar, Sep have the highest UV levels (up to 15). 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 Machala
Best times for popular activities
Best Activities in March
Outdoor Dining
25% match
Hiking & Walking
25% match
Beach & Swimming
25% 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 | 06:23 | 18:35 | 12h 12m | 73° |
☀️February | 06:29 | 18:37 | 12h 8m | 81° |
March | 06:27 | 18:30 | 12h 3m | 86° |
April | 06:21 | 18:18 | 11h 58m | 77° |
May | 06:19 | 18:12 | 11h 53m | 68° |
June | 06:24 | 18:15 | 11h 51m | 64° |
July | 06:29 | 18:21 | 11h 52m | 66° |
August | 06:26 | 18:22 | 11h 56m | 73° |
September | 06:14 | 18:15 | 12h 1m | 84° |
October | 06:02 | 18:08 | 12h 6m | 85° |
November | 05:58 | 18:10 | 12h 11m | 75° |
☀️December | 06:08 | 18:21 | 12h 14m | 71° |
Summer Solstice
12.2h daylight
Winter Solstice
11.8h daylight
Explore Nearby Cities
Sunlight data for surrounding areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Sunlight in Machala
1How many hours of sunlight does Machala get?
How many hours of sunlight does Machala get?
Machala receives an average of 12 hours of daylight per day. This varies throughout the year, from 11.8 hours on the shortest day to 12.2 hours on the longest day.
2What is the sun angle in Machala during winter?
What is the sun angle in Machala during winter?
During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 63.3° above the horizon at solar noon in Machala. This creates shadows that are 0.5x the height of objects.
3When is the best time for outdoor activities in Machala?
When is the best time for outdoor activities in Machala?
October through March offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Southern Hemisphere.
4How do I plan a garden in Machala for maximum sunlight?
How do I plan a garden in Machala for maximum sunlight?
North-facing gardens receive the most consistent sunlight year-round in Machala. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
5What time is golden hour in Machala?
What time is golden hour in Machala?
In March, golden hour in Machala occurs in the morning from 06:27 - 07:27 and in the evening from 17:30 - 18:30. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.
6What is the UV index in Machala?
What is the UV index in Machala?
The UV index in Machala 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).
7Are solar panels worth it in Machala?
Are solar panels worth it in Machala?
Machala receives approximately 2,416 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 3° tilt angle.
8When is sunrise and sunset in Machala?
When is sunrise and sunset in Machala?
In March, sunrise in Machala is around 06:27 and sunset is around 18:30, giving 12.1 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (06:11) and latest sunset follows shortly after.
9What is the best month to visit Machala for weather?
What is the best month to visit Machala for weather?
For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in Machala, 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.
10How long are shadows in Machala?
How long are shadows in Machala?
Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Machala. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.4x the height of objects (sun at 70°). In winter, shadows extend to 0.5x object height (sun at just 63°).