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Sunlight Analysis

Sunlight Hours in Melbourne

Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Melbourne, Australia

Interactive 3D Shadow Map

Summer afternoon in Melbourne

Melbourne

3:30 PM • Summer Solstice

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Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of Melbourne. 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

07:21

Sunset

19:35

Total Daylight

12h 12m

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 Melbourne at any time of day or year.

Location
Lat

-37.8140°

Lng

144.9633°

Launch 3D Map

Best Time to Visit Melbourne

Month-by-month daylight conditions

Melbourne 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

13.3h

Excellent

Autumn

Mar

12.2h

Great

Autumn

Apr

11.0h

Good

Autumn

May

10.0h

Fair

Winter

Jun

9.5h

Fair

Winter

Jul

9.8h

Fair

Winter

Aug

10.6h

Good

Spring

Sep

11.8h

Great

Spring

Oct

13.0h

Excellent

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 Melbourne

Best times for photography

March Golden Hour

Morning

07:21 - 08:21

Blue hour from 06:51

Evening

18:35 - 19:35

Blue hour until 20:05

Best Months

  • 1Year-round — Consistent golden hour length
  • 2Apr-Oct — Milder temperatures for outdoor shoots
  • 3Dec-Feb — Latest 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

Scout your shot in 3D

See exactly where shadows fall at any time

Understanding Melbourne's Sunlight

AI-powered insights for your location

Melbourne's mid-latitude location (37.8°S) creates moderate seasonal variation, with winter days 5.2 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 76° 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 Melbourne. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.

Solar Energy Potential

Is Melbourne good for solar panels?

With approximately 1,972 annual sun hours, Melbourne has good solar potential. A well-designed system can significantly reduce electricity costs.

Annual Sun Hours

1,972

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
38%
Sep
54%
Oct
73%
Nov
91%
Dec
100%

Installation Tips for Melbourne

  • 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 Melbourne

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
10
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 Melbourne

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
06:1820:40
14h 17m
73°
☀️February
06:5320:14
13h 21m
65°
March
07:2119:35
12h 12m
54°
April
06:5017:49
10h 59m
42°
May
07:1717:15
10h 0m
33°
June
07:3717:04
9h 30m
29°
July
07:3517:17
9h 46m
31°
August
07:0717:42
10h 38m
39°
September
06:2218:08
11h 47m
50°
October
06:3719:35
12h 59m
61°
November
06:0220:07
14h 3m
71°
☀️December
05:5520:35
14h 35m
75°
☀️

Summer Solstice

14.7h daylight

❄️

Winter Solstice

9.4h daylight

Explore Nearby Cities

Sunlight data for surrounding areas

City of Port Phillip

Australia

12h avg sunlight

Point Cook

Australia

12h avg sunlight

Craigieburn

Australia

12h avg sunlight

Geelong

Australia

12h avg sunlight

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunlight in Melbourne

1

How many hours of sunlight does Melbourne get?

Melbourne 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 Melbourne during winter?

During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 28.7° above the horizon at solar noon in Melbourne. This creates shadows that are 1.8x the height of objects.

3

When is the best time for outdoor activities in Melbourne?

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

4

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

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

5

What time is golden hour in Melbourne?

In March, golden hour in Melbourne occurs in the morning from 07:21 - 08:21 and in the evening from 18:35 - 19:35. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.

6

What is the UV index in Melbourne?

The UV index in Melbourne 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 Melbourne?

Melbourne receives approximately 1,972 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 Melbourne?

In March, sunrise in Melbourne is around 07:21 and sunset is around 19:35, giving 12.2 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (05:58) and latest sunset follows shortly after.

9

What is the best month to visit Melbourne for weather?

For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in Melbourne, 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 Melbourne?

Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Melbourne. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.3x the height of objects (sun at 76°). In winter, shadows extend to 1.8x object height (sun at just 29°).