Sunlight Analysis

Sunlight Hours in Makhachkala

Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Makhachkala, Russia

Interactive 3D Shadow Map

Summer afternoon in Makhachkala

Makhachkala

3:30 PM • Summer Solstice

Full Screen

Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of Makhachkala. 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

06:05

Sunset

17:52

Total Daylight

11h 49m

Sun Altitude

45°

at noon

Seasonal Extremes

☀️

Longest Day

15.2h

2026-06-21

❄️

Shortest Day

8.9h

2026-12-21

Interactive 3D

Explore Shadows in 3D

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

Location
Lat

42.9778°

Lng

47.5003°

Launch 3D Map

Best Time to Visit Makhachkala

Month-by-month daylight conditions

Makhachkala has moderate seasonal variation (6.4h 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

9.3h

Fair

Winter

Feb

10.4h

Good

Spring

Mar

11.8h

Great

Spring

Apr

13.3h

Excellent

Spring

May

14.5h

Excellent

Summer

Jun

15.1h

Excellent

Summer

Jul

14.8h

Excellent

Summer

Aug

13.8h

Excellent

Autumn

Sep

12.4h

Great

Autumn

Oct

10.9h

Good

Autumn

Nov

9.7h

Fair

Winter

Dec

9.0h

Fair

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

Golden Hour in Makhachkala

Best times for photography

March Golden Hour

Morning

06:05 - 07:05

Blue hour from 05:35

Evening

16:52 - 17:52

Blue hour until 18:22

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 Makhachkala's Sunlight

AI-powered insights for your location

Makhachkala's mid-latitude location (43.0°N) creates moderate seasonal variation, with winter days 6.4 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 70° at summer noon but only 24° in winter.

Key Challenges

  • 1Very low winter sun angle (24°) creates long shadows
  • 2Winter shadows extend 2.3x object height
  • 3Large daylight variation (6.4h) between seasons
  • 4Short winter days (8.9h) 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 Makhachkala. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.

Solar Energy Potential

Is Makhachkala good for solar panels?

With approximately 1,989 annual sun hours, Makhachkala has good solar potential. A well-designed system can significantly reduce electricity costs.

Annual Sun Hours

1,989

estimated

Optimal Panel Tilt

43°

facing south

Peak Production

Jun, Jul, May

highest output

Relative Monthly Production

Jan
23%
Feb
34%
Mar
50%
Apr
71%
May
90%
Jun
100%
Jul
95%
Aug
79%
Sep
58%
Oct
40%
Nov
26%
Dec
21%

Installation Tips for Makhachkala

  • Orient panels south with a 43° 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 (58°), flatter in summer (28°)

UV Index & Sun Safety

Protect yourself in Makhachkala

March UV Index

9Very 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

5
Jan
7
Feb
9
Mar
10
Apr
11
May
11
Jun
11
Jul
11
Aug
9
Sep
8
Oct
6
Nov
5
Dec

Peak UV Months

May, Jun, Jul have the highest UV levels (up to 11). 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 Makhachkala

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
07:2216:37
9h 20m
27°
February
06:5117:17
10h 27m
35°
March
06:0517:52
11h 49m
45°
April
05:1118:28
13h 17m
57°
May
04:3019:02
14h 31m
66°
☀️June
04:1419:27
15h 8m
70°
☀️July
04:2719:23
14h 51m
68°
☀️August
04:5918:49
13h 47m
61°
September
05:3217:57
12h 23m
50°
October
06:0617:04
10h 57m
38°
November
06:4516:23
9h 40m
29°
December
07:1716:12
9h 0m
24°
☀️

Summer Solstice

15.2h daylight

❄️

Winter Solstice

8.9h daylight

Explore Nearby Cities

Sunlight data for surrounding areas

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunlight in Makhachkala

1

How many hours of sunlight does Makhachkala get?

Makhachkala receives an average of 12.1 hours of daylight per day. This varies throughout the year, from 8.9 hours on the shortest day to 15.2 hours on the longest day.

2

What is the sun angle in Makhachkala during winter?

During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 23.6° above the horizon at solar noon in Makhachkala. This creates shadows that are 2.3x the height of objects.

3

When is the best time for outdoor activities in Makhachkala?

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

4

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

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

5

What time is golden hour in Makhachkala?

In March, golden hour in Makhachkala occurs in the morning from 06:05 - 07:05 and in the evening from 16:52 - 17:52. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.

6

What is the UV index in Makhachkala?

The UV index in Makhachkala varies by season. During summer, UV can reach 11 (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 Makhachkala?

Makhachkala receives approximately 1,989 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 43° tilt angle.

8

When is sunrise and sunset in Makhachkala?

In March, sunrise in Makhachkala is around 06:05 and sunset is around 17:52, giving 11.8 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (04:14) and latest sunset follows shortly after.

9

What is the best month to visit Makhachkala for weather?

For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in Makhachkala, 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 Makhachkala?

Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Makhachkala. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.3x the height of objects (sun at 71°). In winter, shadows extend to 2.3x object height (sun at just 24°).