Sunlight Hours in Memphis
Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Memphis, Tennessee, United States
Interactive 3D Shadow Map
Summer afternoon in Memphis
Memphis
3:30 PM • Summer Solstice
Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of Memphis. 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
07:13
Sunset
19:05
Total Daylight
11h 53m
Sun Altitude
53°
at noon
Seasonal Extremes
Longest Day
14.4h
2026-06-21
Shortest Day
9.7h
2026-12-21
Explore Shadows in 3D
See exactly how building shadows fall across Memphis at any time of day or year.
35.1495°
-90.0490°
Best Time to Visit Memphis
Month-by-month daylight conditions
Memphis has moderate seasonal variation (4.7h 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
10.0h
Fair
Winter
Feb
10.8h
Good
Spring
Mar
11.9h
Great
Spring
Apr
13.0h
Excellent
Spring
May
13.9h
Excellent
Summer
Jun
14.3h
Excellent
Summer
Jul
14.1h
Excellent
Summer
Aug
13.3h
Excellent
Autumn
Sep
12.3h
Great
Autumn
Oct
11.2h
Good
Autumn
Nov
10.3h
Fair
Winter
Dec
9.8h
Fair
Golden Hour in Memphis
Best times for photography
March Golden Hour
07:13 - 08:13
Blue hour from 06:43
18:05 - 19:05
Blue hour until 19:35
Best Months
- 1Year-round — Consistent golden hour length
- 2Oct-Apr — Milder temperatures for outdoor shoots
- 3Jun-Aug — 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 south during midday for even lighting on subjects
- Check the 3D shadow map to scout locations and predict light direction
Understanding Memphis's Sunlight
AI-powered insights for your location
Memphis's mid-latitude location (35.1°N) creates moderate seasonal variation, with winter days 4.7 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 78° at summer noon but only 31° in winter.
Key Challenges
- 1Low winter sun angle (31°) affects south-facing properties
- 2Consider local weather patterns that may affect sunshine
- 3Urban 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 Memphis. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
Solar Energy Potential
Is Memphis good for solar panels?
With approximately 1,985 annual sun hours, Memphis has good solar potential. A well-designed system can significantly reduce electricity costs.
Annual Sun Hours
1,985
estimated
Optimal Panel Tilt
35°
facing south
Peak Production
Jun, Jul, May
highest output
Relative Monthly Production
Installation Tips for Memphis
- Orient panels south with a 35° 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 (50°), flatter in summer (20°)
UV Index & Sun Safety
Protect yourself in Memphis
March UV Index
Extra protection needed. Avoid midday sun if possible.
Monthly UV Index
Peak UV Months
May, Jun, Jul 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 Memphis
Best times for popular activities
Best Activities in March
Gardening
54% match
Outdoor Dining
24% match
Hiking & Walking
24% 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 | 07:11 | 17:08 | 10h 1m | 34° |
February | 06:49 | 17:39 | 10h 51m | 43° |
March | 07:13 | 19:05 | 11h 53m | 53° |
April | 06:30 | 19:30 | 12h 59m | 65° |
May | 05:59 | 19:54 | 13h 54m | 74° |
☀️June | 05:48 | 20:13 | 14h 21m | 78° |
☀️July | 06:00 | 20:11 | 14h 8m | 76° |
☀️August | 06:23 | 19:45 | 13h 20m | 68° |
September | 06:45 | 19:04 | 12h 17m | 58° |
October | 07:09 | 18:22 | 11h 12m | 46° |
November | 06:38 | 16:51 | 10h 15m | 37° |
December | 07:04 | 16:46 | 9h 46m | 32° |
Summer Solstice
14.4h daylight
Winter Solstice
9.7h daylight
Explore Nearby Cities
Sunlight data for surrounding areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Sunlight in Memphis
1How many hours of sunlight does Memphis get?
How many hours of sunlight does Memphis get?
Memphis receives an average of 12.1 hours of daylight per day. This varies throughout the year, from 9.7 hours on the shortest day to 14.4 hours on the longest day.
2What is the sun angle in Memphis during winter?
What is the sun angle in Memphis during winter?
During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 31.4° above the horizon at solar noon in Memphis. This creates shadows that are 1.6x the height of objects.
3When is the best time for outdoor activities in Memphis?
When is the best time for outdoor activities in Memphis?
April through September offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Northern Hemisphere.
4How do I plan a garden in Memphis for maximum sunlight?
How do I plan a garden in Memphis for maximum sunlight?
South-facing gardens receive the most consistent sunlight year-round in Memphis. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
5What time is golden hour in Memphis?
What time is golden hour in Memphis?
In March, golden hour in Memphis occurs in the morning from 07:13 - 08:13 and in the evening from 18:05 - 19:05. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.
6What is the UV index in Memphis?
What is the UV index in Memphis?
The UV index in Memphis 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).
7Are solar panels worth it in Memphis?
Are solar panels worth it in Memphis?
Memphis receives approximately 1,985 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 35° tilt angle.
8When is sunrise and sunset in Memphis?
When is sunrise and sunset in Memphis?
In March, sunrise in Memphis is around 07:13 and sunset is around 19:05, giving 11.9 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (05:49) and latest sunset follows shortly after.
9What is the best month to visit Memphis for weather?
What is the best month to visit Memphis for weather?
For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in Memphis, 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 Memphis?
How long are shadows in Memphis?
Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Memphis. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.2x the height of objects (sun at 78°). In winter, shadows extend to 1.6x object height (sun at just 31°).