Sunlight Analysis

Sunlight Hours in Montevideo

Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Montevideo, UY

Interactive 3D Shadow Map

Summer afternoon in Montevideo

Montevideo

3:30 PM • Summer Solstice

Full Screen

Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of Montevideo. 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

06:46

Sunset

18:59

Total Daylight

12h 12m

Sun Altitude

57°

at noon

Seasonal Extremes

☀️

Longest Day

14.4h

2026-12-21

❄️

Shortest Day

9.7h

2026-06-21

Interactive 3D

Explore Shadows in 3D

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

Location
Lat

-34.9033°

Lng

-56.1882°

Launch 3D Map

Best Time to Visit Montevideo

Month-by-month daylight conditions

Montevideo has moderate seasonal variation (4.7h 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

14.1h

Excellent

Summer

Feb

13.2h

Excellent

Autumn

Mar

12.2h

Great

Autumn

Apr

11.1h

Good

Autumn

May

10.2h

Fair

Winter

Jun

9.8h

Fair

Winter

Jul

10.0h

Fair

Winter

Aug

10.8h

Good

Spring

Sep

11.8h

Great

Spring

Oct

12.9h

Great

Spring

Nov

13.8h

Excellent

Summer

Dec

14.3h

Excellent

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

Golden Hour in Montevideo

Best times for photography

March Golden Hour

Morning

06:46 - 07:46

Blue hour from 06:16

Evening

17:59 - 18:59

Blue hour until 19:29

Best Months

  • 1Year-roundConsistent golden hour length
  • 2Apr-OctMilder temperatures for outdoor shoots
  • 3Dec-FebLatest 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

Understanding Montevideo's Sunlight

AI-powered insights for your location

Montevideo's mid-latitude location (34.9°S) creates moderate seasonal variation, with winter days 4.7 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 78° at summer noon but only 32° in winter.

Key Challenges

  • 1Low winter sun angle (32°) 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 Montevideo. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.

Solar Energy Potential

Is Montevideo good for solar panels?

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

Annual Sun Hours

1,972

estimated

Optimal Panel Tilt

35°

facing north

Peak Production

Dec, Jan, Nov

highest output

Relative Monthly Production

Jan
95%
Feb
80%
Mar
62%
Apr
45%
May
33%
Jun
28%
Jul
31%
Aug
40%
Sep
55%
Oct
74%
Nov
91%
Dec
100%

Installation Tips for Montevideo

  • Orient panels north 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 Montevideo

March UV Index

11Extreme

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

12
Jan
12
Feb
11
Mar
9
Apr
8
May
7
Jun
7
Jul
8
Aug
10
Sep
11
Oct
12
Nov
12
Dec

Peak UV Months

Jan, Feb, Nov have the highest UV levels (up to 12). 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 Montevideo

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
05:5019:57
14h 4m
76°
☀️February
06:2119:35
13h 14m
68°
March
06:4618:59
12h 12m
57°
April
07:1118:17
11h 7m
45°
May
07:3517:46
10h 13m
36°
June
07:5317:36
9h 46m
32°
July
07:5317:48
9h 59m
34°
August
07:2718:10
10h 46m
42°
September
06:4618:33
11h 47m
52°
October
06:0518:56
12h 52m
64°
November
05:3319:25
13h 50m
73°
☀️December
05:2819:51
14h 19m
78°
☀️

Summer Solstice

14.4h daylight

❄️

Winter Solstice

9.7h daylight

Explore Nearby Cities

Sunlight data for surrounding areas

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunlight in Montevideo

1

How many hours of sunlight does Montevideo get?

Montevideo receives an average of 12 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.

2

What is the sun angle in Montevideo during winter?

During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 31.7° above the horizon at solar noon in Montevideo. This creates shadows that are 1.6x the height of objects.

3

When is the best time for outdoor activities in Montevideo?

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

4

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

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

5

What time is golden hour in Montevideo?

In March, golden hour in Montevideo occurs in the morning from 06:46 - 07:46 and in the evening from 17:59 - 18:59. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.

6

What is the UV index in Montevideo?

The UV index in Montevideo 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 Montevideo?

Montevideo 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 35° tilt angle.

8

When is sunrise and sunset in Montevideo?

In March, sunrise in Montevideo is around 06:46 and sunset is around 18:59, giving 12.2 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (05:30) and latest sunset follows shortly after.

9

What is the best month to visit Montevideo for weather?

For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in Montevideo, 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 Montevideo?

Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Montevideo. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.2x the height of objects (sun at 79°). In winter, shadows extend to 1.6x object height (sun at just 32°).