Sunlight Analysis

Sunlight Hours in Mar del Plata

Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Mar del Plata, Argentina

Interactive 3D Shadow Map

Summer afternoon in Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata

3:30 PM • Summer Solstice

Full Screen

Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of Mar del Plata. 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

06:51

Sunset

19:06

Total Daylight

12h 13m

Sun Altitude

54°

at noon

Seasonal Extremes

☀️

Longest Day

14.7h

2026-12-21

❄️

Shortest Day

9.4h

2026-06-21

Interactive 3D

Explore Shadows in 3D

See exactly how building shadows fall across Mar del Plata at any time of day or year.

Location
Lat

-38.0004°

Lng

-57.5562°

Launch 3D Map

Best Time to Visit Mar del Plata

Month-by-month daylight conditions

Mar del Plata has moderate seasonal variation (5.3h difference between longest and shortest days). November-February offers the best conditions for outdoor activities.

Peak Months

Dec, Jan, Nov, Feb

Shoulder Season

Oct & Mar

Summer

Jan

14.3h

Excellent

Summer

Feb

13.4h

Excellent

Autumn

Mar

12.2h

Great

Autumn

Apr

11.0h

Good

Autumn

May

10.0h

Fair

Winter

Jun

9.5h

Fair

Winter

Jul

9.7h

Fair

Winter

Aug

10.6h

Good

Spring

Sep

11.8h

Great

Spring

Oct

13.0h

Great

Spring

Nov

14.1h

Excellent

Summer

Dec

14.6h

Excellent

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

Golden Hour in Mar del Plata

Best times for photography

March Golden Hour

Morning

06:51 - 07:51

Blue hour from 06:21

Evening

18:06 - 19:06

Blue hour until 19:36

Best Months

  • 1Year-roundConsistent golden hour length
  • 2Apr-OctMilder temperatures for outdoor shoots
  • 3Dec-FebLatest 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 north during midday for even lighting on subjects
  • Check the 3D shadow map to scout locations and predict light direction

Understanding Mar del Plata's Sunlight

AI-powered insights for your location

Mar del Plata's mid-latitude location (38.0°S) creates moderate seasonal variation, with winter days 5.3 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 75° at summer noon but only 29° in winter.

Key Challenges

  • 1Low winter sun angle (29°) affects north-facing properties
  • 2Consider local weather patterns that may affect sunshine
  • 3Urban 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 Mar del Plata. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.

Solar Energy Potential

Is Mar del Plata good for solar panels?

With approximately 1,971 annual sun hours, Mar del Plata has good solar potential. A well-designed system can significantly reduce electricity costs.

Annual Sun Hours

1,971

estimated

Optimal Panel Tilt

38°

facing north

Peak Production

Dec, Jan, Nov

highest output

Relative Monthly Production

Jan
95%
Feb
79%
Mar
60%
Apr
42%
May
30%
Jun
25%
Jul
28%
Aug
37%
Sep
53%
Oct
72%
Nov
90%
Dec
100%

Installation Tips for Mar del Plata

  • Orient panels north with a 38° 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 (53°), flatter in summer (23°)

UV Index & Sun Safety

Protect yourself in Mar del Plata

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

12
Jan
11
Feb
10
Mar
8
Apr
7
May
6
Jun
6
Jul
8
Aug
9
Sep
11
Oct
12
Nov
12
Dec

Peak UV Months

Jan, Nov, Dec 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 Mar del Plata

Best times for popular activities

Best Activities in March

🥇

Outdoor Dining

56% match

🥈

Hiking & Walking

56% match

🥉

Photography

56% 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:Dec, Jan, Feb

Hiking & Walking

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

Best:Mar, Apr, Oct

Beach & Swimming

Peak sun and warmest temperatures during summer months.

Best:Dec, Jan, Feb

Seasonal Sunlight Calendar

Monthly averages throughout the year

MonthSunriseSunsetDaylightSun Angle
☀️January
05:4720:11
14h 19m
72°
☀️February
06:2219:45
13h 23m
64°
March
06:5119:06
12h 13m
54°
April
07:2018:19
11h 0m
42°
May
07:4717:45
9h 59m
33°
June
08:0717:33
9h 29m
29°
July
08:0617:46
9h 44m
31°
August
07:3818:11
10h 36m
39°
September
06:5318:38
11h 46m
49°
October
06:0719:05
12h 58m
61°
November
05:3219:37
14h 3m
70°
☀️December
05:2520:05
14h 37m
75°
☀️

Summer Solstice

14.7h daylight

❄️

Winter Solstice

9.4h daylight

Explore Nearby Cities

Sunlight data for surrounding areas

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunlight in Mar del Plata

1

How many hours of sunlight does Mar del Plata get?

Mar del Plata receives an average of 12 hours of daylight per day. This varies throughout the year, from 9.4 hours on the shortest day to 14.7 hours on the longest day.

2

What is the sun angle in Mar del Plata during winter?

During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 28.6° above the horizon at solar noon in Mar del Plata. This creates shadows that are 1.8x the height of objects.

3

When is the best time for outdoor activities in Mar del Plata?

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

4

How do I plan a garden in Mar del Plata for maximum sunlight?

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

5

What time is golden hour in Mar del Plata?

In March, golden hour in Mar del Plata occurs in the morning from 06:51 - 07:51 and in the evening from 18:06 - 19:06. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.

6

What is the UV index in Mar del Plata?

The UV index in Mar del Plata 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).

7

Are solar panels worth it in Mar del Plata?

Mar del Plata receives approximately 1,971 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 38° tilt angle.

8

When is sunrise and sunset in Mar del Plata?

In March, sunrise in Mar del Plata is around 06:51 and sunset is around 19:06, giving 12.2 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (05:27) and latest sunset follows shortly after.

9

What is the best month to visit Mar del Plata for weather?

For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in Mar del Plata, 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 Mar del Plata?

Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Mar del Plata. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.3x the height of objects (sun at 75°). In winter, shadows extend to 1.8x object height (sun at just 29°).