Sunlight Hours in Mbarara
Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Mbarara, UG
Interactive 3D Shadow Map
Summer afternoon in Mbarara
Mbarara
3:30 PM • Summer Solstice
Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of Mbarara. 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
07:05
Sunset
19:07
Total Daylight
12h 2m
Sun Altitude
86°
at noon
Seasonal Extremes
Longest Day
12.1h
2026-12-21
Shortest Day
12.0h
2026-06-21
Explore Shadows in 3D
See exactly how building shadows fall across Mbarara at any time of day or year.
-0.6047°
30.6485°
Best Time to Visit Mbarara
Month-by-month daylight conditions
Mbarara 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
12.1h
Great
Summer
Feb
12.1h
Great
Autumn
Mar
12.0h
Great
Autumn
Apr
12.0h
Great
Autumn
May
12.0h
Great
Winter
Jun
12.0h
Great
Winter
Jul
12.0h
Great
Winter
Aug
12.0h
Great
Spring
Sep
12.0h
Great
Spring
Oct
12.1h
Great
Spring
Nov
12.1h
Great
Summer
Dec
12.1h
Great
Golden Hour in Mbarara
Best times for photography
March Golden Hour
07:05 - 08:05
Blue hour from 06:35
18:07 - 19:07
Blue hour until 19:37
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 Mbarara's Sunlight
AI-powered insights for your location
Mbarara's tropical location (0.6°S) creates minimal seasonal variation, with winter days 0.1 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
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 Mbarara. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
Solar Energy Potential
Is Mbarara good for solar panels?
Mbarara 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
1°
facing north
Peak Production
Mar, Sep, Oct
highest output
Relative Monthly Production
Installation Tips for Mbarara
- Orient panels north with a 1° 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 (16°), flatter in summer (10°)
UV Index & Sun Safety
Protect yourself in Mbarara
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 Mbarara
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 | 07:04 | 19:08 | 12h 4m | 70° |
☀️February | 07:09 | 19:13 | 12h 3m | 78° |
March | 07:05 | 19:07 | 12h 2m | 86° |
April | 06:56 | 18:58 | 12h 1m | 80° |
May | 06:53 | 18:54 | 12h 1m | 71° |
June | 06:57 | 18:58 | 12h 0m | 67° |
July | 07:03 | 19:03 | 12h 1m | 69° |
August | 07:01 | 19:02 | 12h 1m | 76° |
September | 06:51 | 18:53 | 12h 2m | 85° |
October | 06:41 | 18:44 | 12h 3m | 82° |
November | 06:40 | 18:43 | 12h 4m | 72° |
☀️December | 06:50 | 18:54 | 12h 5m | 68° |
Summer Solstice
12.1h daylight
Winter Solstice
12.0h daylight
Explore Nearby Cities
Sunlight data for surrounding areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Sunlight in Mbarara
1How many hours of sunlight does Mbarara get?
How many hours of sunlight does Mbarara get?
Mbarara receives an average of 12 hours of daylight per day. This varies throughout the year, from 12.0 hours on the shortest day to 12.1 hours on the longest day.
2What is the sun angle in Mbarara during winter?
What is the sun angle in Mbarara during winter?
During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 66.0° above the horizon at solar noon in Mbarara. This creates shadows that are 0.5x the height of objects.
3When is the best time for outdoor activities in Mbarara?
When is the best time for outdoor activities in Mbarara?
October through March offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Southern Hemisphere.
4How do I plan a garden in Mbarara for maximum sunlight?
How do I plan a garden in Mbarara for maximum sunlight?
North-facing gardens receive the most consistent sunlight year-round in Mbarara. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
5What time is golden hour in Mbarara?
What time is golden hour in Mbarara?
In March, golden hour in Mbarara occurs in the morning from 07:05 - 08:05 and in the evening from 18:07 - 19:07. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.
6What is the UV index in Mbarara?
What is the UV index in Mbarara?
The UV index in Mbarara 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 Mbarara?
Are solar panels worth it in Mbarara?
Mbarara 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 1° tilt angle.
8When is sunrise and sunset in Mbarara?
When is sunrise and sunset in Mbarara?
In March, sunrise in Mbarara is around 07:05 and sunset is around 19:07, giving 12.0 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (06:53) and latest sunset follows shortly after.
9What is the best month to visit Mbarara for weather?
What is the best month to visit Mbarara for weather?
For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in Mbarara, 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 Mbarara?
How long are shadows in Mbarara?
Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Mbarara. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.4x the height of objects (sun at 67°). In winter, shadows extend to 0.5x object height (sun at just 66°).