Sunlight Hours in Mbandaka
Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Mbandaka, CD
Interactive 3D Shadow Map
Summer afternoon in Mbandaka
Mbandaka
3:30 PM • Summer Solstice
Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of Mbandaka. 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
05:54
Sunset
17:56
Total Daylight
12h 2m
Sun Altitude
85°
at noon
Seasonal Extremes
Longest Day
12.0h
2026-06-21
Shortest Day
12.0h
2026-12-21
Explore Shadows in 3D
See exactly how building shadows fall across Mbandaka at any time of day or year.
0.0486°
18.2603°
Best Time to Visit Mbandaka
Month-by-month daylight conditions
Mbandaka lies in the tropics with consistent daylight year-round. Any time of year offers good sunlight conditions.
Peak Months
Jan, May, Jun, Jul
Shoulder Season
Aug & Nov
Winter
Jan
12.0h
Great
Winter
Feb
12.0h
Great
Spring
Mar
12.0h
Great
Spring
Apr
12.0h
Great
Spring
May
12.0h
Great
Summer
Jun
12.0h
Great
Summer
Jul
12.0h
Great
Summer
Aug
12.0h
Great
Autumn
Sep
12.0h
Great
Autumn
Oct
12.0h
Great
Autumn
Nov
12.0h
Great
Winter
Dec
12.0h
Great
Golden Hour in Mbandaka
Best times for photography
March Golden Hour
05:54 - 06:54
Blue hour from 05:24
16:56 - 17:56
Blue hour until 18:26
Best Months
- 1Year-round — Consistent golden hour length
- 2Oct-Apr — Milder temperatures for outdoor shoots
- 3Jun-Aug — 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 south during midday for even lighting on subjects
- Check the 3D shadow map to scout locations and predict light direction
Understanding Mbandaka's Sunlight
AI-powered insights for your location
Mbandaka's tropical location (0.0°N) creates minimal seasonal variation, with winter days 0.0 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 67° at summer noon but only 66° in winter.
Key Challenges
- 1Consider local weather patterns that may affect sunshine
- 2Urban 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 Mbandaka. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
Solar Energy Potential
Is Mbandaka good for solar panels?
Mbandaka 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
0°
facing south
Peak Production
Mar, Sep, Oct
highest output
Relative Monthly Production
Installation Tips for Mbandaka
- Orient panels south with a 0° 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 (15°), flatter in summer (10°)
UV Index & Sun Safety
Protect yourself in Mbandaka
March UV Index
Maximum protection essential. Avoid outdoor activities during peak hours.
Monthly UV Index
Peak UV Months
Feb, Mar, Apr 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 Mbandaka
Best times for popular activities
Best Activities in March
Outdoor Dining
55% match
Hiking & Walking
55% match
Beach & Swimming
55% 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 | 05:55 | 17:57 | 12h 2m | 70° |
February | 05:59 | 18:02 | 12h 2m | 78° |
March | 05:54 | 17:56 | 12h 2m | 85° |
April | 05:45 | 17:48 | 12h 2m | 80° |
May | 05:42 | 17:44 | 12h 2m | 71° |
☀️June | 05:46 | 17:48 | 12h 2m | 67° |
☀️July | 05:51 | 17:54 | 12h 2m | 69° |
☀️August | 05:50 | 17:52 | 12h 2m | 77° |
September | 05:41 | 17:43 | 12h 2m | 85° |
October | 05:31 | 17:33 | 12h 2m | 81° |
November | 05:30 | 17:32 | 12h 2m | 72° |
December | 05:40 | 17:43 | 12h 2m | 67° |
Summer Solstice
12.0h daylight
Winter Solstice
12.0h daylight
Explore Nearby Cities
Sunlight data for surrounding areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Sunlight in Mbandaka
1How many hours of sunlight does Mbandaka get?
How many hours of sunlight does Mbandaka get?
Mbandaka receives an average of 12 hours of daylight per day. This varies throughout the year, from 12.0 hours on the shortest day to 12.0 hours on the longest day.
2What is the sun angle in Mbandaka during winter?
What is the sun angle in Mbandaka during winter?
During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 66.5° above the horizon at solar noon in Mbandaka. This creates shadows that are 0.4x the height of objects.
3When is the best time for outdoor activities in Mbandaka?
When is the best time for outdoor activities in Mbandaka?
April through September offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Northern Hemisphere.
4How do I plan a garden in Mbandaka for maximum sunlight?
How do I plan a garden in Mbandaka for maximum sunlight?
South-facing gardens receive the most consistent sunlight year-round in Mbandaka. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
5What time is golden hour in Mbandaka?
What time is golden hour in Mbandaka?
In March, golden hour in Mbandaka occurs in the morning from 05:54 - 06:54 and in the evening from 16:56 - 17:56. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.
6What is the UV index in Mbandaka?
What is the UV index in Mbandaka?
The UV index in Mbandaka 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 Mbandaka?
Are solar panels worth it in Mbandaka?
Mbandaka 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 south at a 0° tilt angle.
8When is sunrise and sunset in Mbandaka?
When is sunrise and sunset in Mbandaka?
In March, sunrise in Mbandaka is around 05:54 and sunset is around 17:56, giving 12.0 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (05:47) and latest sunset follows shortly after.
9What is the best month to visit Mbandaka for weather?
What is the best month to visit Mbandaka for weather?
For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in Mbandaka, 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.
10How long are shadows in Mbandaka?
How long are shadows in Mbandaka?
Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Mbandaka. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.4x the height of objects (sun at 67°). In winter, shadows extend to 0.4x object height (sun at just 67°).