Sunlight Analysis

Sunlight Hours in Monterrey

Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Monterrey, Mexico

Interactive 3D Shadow Map

Summer afternoon in Monterrey

Monterrey

3:30 PM • Summer Solstice

Full Screen

Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of Monterrey. 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

06:52

Sunset

18:47

Total Daylight

11h 56m

Sun Altitude

63°

at noon

Seasonal Extremes

☀️

Longest Day

13.7h

2026-06-21

❄️

Shortest Day

10.4h

2026-12-21

Interactive 3D

Explore Shadows in 3D

See exactly how building shadows fall across Monterrey at any time of day or year.

Location
Lat

25.6843°

Lng

-100.3172°

Launch 3D Map

Best Time to Visit Monterrey

Month-by-month daylight conditions

Monterrey has moderate seasonal variation (3.2h 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

10.7h

Good

Winter

Feb

11.2h

Good

Spring

Mar

11.9h

Great

Spring

Apr

12.7h

Excellent

Spring

May

13.3h

Excellent

Summer

Jun

13.6h

Excellent

Summer

Jul

13.4h

Excellent

Summer

Aug

12.9h

Excellent

Autumn

Sep

12.2h

Great

Autumn

Oct

11.5h

Great

Autumn

Nov

10.8h

Good

Winter

Dec

10.5h

Good

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

Golden Hour in Monterrey

Best times for photography

March Golden Hour

Morning

06:52 - 07:52

Blue hour from 06:22

Evening

17:47 - 18:47

Blue hour until 19:17

Best Months

  • 1Year-roundConsistent golden hour length
  • 2Oct-AprMilder temperatures for outdoor shoots
  • 3Jun-AugLatest 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 Monterrey's Sunlight

AI-powered insights for your location

Monterrey's mid-latitude location (25.7°N) creates moderate seasonal variation, with winter days 3.2 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 88° at summer noon but only 41° 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 Monterrey. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.

Solar Energy Potential

Is Monterrey good for solar panels?

With approximately 1,982 annual sun hours, Monterrey has good solar potential. A well-designed system can significantly reduce electricity costs.

Annual Sun Hours

1,982

estimated

Optimal Panel Tilt

26°

facing south

Peak Production

Jun, Jul, May

highest output

Relative Monthly Production

Jan
40%
Feb
49%
Mar
63%
Apr
79%
May
93%
Jun
100%
Jul
97%
Aug
85%
Sep
69%
Oct
54%
Nov
42%
Dec
37%

Installation Tips for Monterrey

  • Orient panels south with a 26° 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 (41°), flatter in summer (11°)

UV Index & Sun Safety

Protect yourself in Monterrey

March UV Index

12Extreme

Maximum protection essential. Avoid outdoor activities during peak hours.

UV Index Scale:
1-2 Low3-5 Mod6-7 High8-10 V.High11+ Ext

Monthly UV Index

9
Jan
10
Feb
12
Mar
13
Apr
13
May
13
Jun
13
Jul
13
Aug
12
Sep
11
Oct
10
Nov
9
Dec

Peak UV Months

Apr, May, Jun have the highest UV levels (up to 13). 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 Monterrey

Best times for popular activities

Best Activities in March

🥇

Gardening

55% match

🥈

Outdoor Dining

25% match

🥉

Hiking & Walking

25% 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:Jun, Jul, Aug

Hiking & Walking

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

Best:Apr, May, Sep

Beach & Swimming

Peak sun and warmest temperatures during summer months.

Best:Jun, Jul, Aug

Seasonal Sunlight Calendar

Monthly averages throughout the year

MonthSunriseSunsetDaylightSun Angle
January
07:3218:09
10h 40m
44°
February
07:1818:32
11h 14m
52°
March
06:5218:47
11h 56m
63°
April
06:2019:01
12h 41m
74°
May
05:5819:17
13h 18m
83°
☀️June
05:5219:31
13h 37m
87°
☀️July
06:0219:32
13h 27m
85°
☀️August
06:1719:13
12h 55m
78°
September
06:2918:42
12h 13m
67°
October
06:4218:11
11h 28m
56°
November
07:0117:49
10h 49m
46°
December
07:2217:50
10h 29m
42°
☀️

Summer Solstice

13.7h daylight

❄️

Winter Solstice

10.4h daylight

Explore Nearby Cities

Sunlight data for surrounding areas

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunlight in Monterrey

1

How many hours of sunlight does Monterrey get?

Monterrey receives an average of 12.1 hours of daylight per day. This varies throughout the year, from 10.4 hours on the shortest day to 13.7 hours on the longest day.

2

What is the sun angle in Monterrey during winter?

During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 40.9° above the horizon at solar noon in Monterrey. This creates shadows that are 1.2x the height of objects.

3

When is the best time for outdoor activities in Monterrey?

April through September offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Northern Hemisphere.

4

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

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

5

What time is golden hour in Monterrey?

In March, golden hour in Monterrey occurs in the morning from 06:52 - 07:52 and in the evening from 17:47 - 18:47. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.

6

What is the UV index in Monterrey?

The UV index in Monterrey varies by season. During summer, UV can reach 13 (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 Monterrey?

Monterrey receives approximately 1,982 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 26° tilt angle.

8

When is sunrise and sunset in Monterrey?

In March, sunrise in Monterrey is around 06:52 and sunset is around 18:47, giving 11.9 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (05:53) and latest sunset follows shortly after.

9

What is the best month to visit Monterrey for weather?

For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in Monterrey, 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.

10

How long are shadows in Monterrey?

Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Monterrey. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.0x the height of objects (sun at 88°). In winter, shadows extend to 1.2x object height (sun at just 41°).