Sunlight Analysis

Sunlight Hours in Northern Beaches

Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Northern Beaches, Australia

Interactive 3D Shadow Map

Summer afternoon in Northern Beaches

Northern Beaches

3:30 PM • Summer Solstice

Full Screen

Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of Northern Beaches. 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

06:57

Sunset

19:09

Total Daylight

12h 11m

Sun Altitude

58°

at noon

Seasonal Extremes

☀️

Longest Day

14.3h

2026-12-21

❄️

Shortest Day

9.8h

2026-06-21

Interactive 3D

Explore Shadows in 3D

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

Location
Lat

-33.7500°

Lng

151.2875°

Launch 3D Map

Best Time to Visit Northern Beaches

Month-by-month daylight conditions

Northern Beaches has moderate seasonal variation (4.5h 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

14.0h

Excellent

Summer

Feb

13.2h

Excellent

Autumn

Mar

12.2h

Great

Autumn

Apr

11.1h

Good

Autumn

May

10.3h

Fair

Winter

Jun

9.9h

Fair

Winter

Jul

10.1h

Fair

Winter

Aug

10.8h

Good

Spring

Sep

11.8h

Great

Spring

Oct

12.8h

Great

Spring

Nov

13.8h

Excellent

Summer

Dec

14.2h

Excellent

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

Golden Hour in Northern Beaches

Best times for photography

March Golden Hour

Morning

06:57 - 07:57

Blue hour from 06:27

Evening

18:09 - 19:09

Blue hour until 19:39

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 Northern Beaches's Sunlight

AI-powered insights for your location

Northern Beaches's mid-latitude location (33.8°S) creates moderate seasonal variation, with winter days 4.5 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 80° at summer noon but only 33° in winter.

Key Challenges

  • 1Low winter sun angle (33°) 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 Northern Beaches. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.

Solar Energy Potential

Is Northern Beaches good for solar panels?

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

Annual Sun Hours

1,972

estimated

Optimal Panel Tilt

34°

facing north

Peak Production

Dec, Jan, Nov

highest output

Relative Monthly Production

Jan
95%
Feb
80%
Mar
63%
Apr
46%
May
34%
Jun
29%
Jul
32%
Aug
41%
Sep
57%
Oct
75%
Nov
91%
Dec
100%

Installation Tips for Northern Beaches

  • Orient panels north with a 34° 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 (49°), flatter in summer (19°)

UV Index & Sun Safety

Protect yourself in Northern Beaches

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
9
Aug
10
Sep
12
Oct
12
Nov
13
Dec

Peak UV Months

Dec, Jan, Feb 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 Northern Beaches

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
06:0320:05
13h 58m
77°
☀️February
06:3319:43
13h 10m
69°
March
06:5719:09
12h 11m
58°
April
06:2017:28
11h 8m
46°
May
06:4316:58
10h 17m
37°
June
07:0116:49
9h 52m
33°
July
07:0017:01
10h 5m
35°
August
06:3517:23
10h 49m
43°
September
05:5617:44
11h 49m
54°
October
06:1519:05
12h 51m
65°
November
05:4619:33
13h 46m
75°
☀️December
05:4119:58
14h 13m
79°
☀️

Summer Solstice

14.3h daylight

❄️

Winter Solstice

9.8h daylight

Explore Nearby Cities

Sunlight data for surrounding areas

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunlight in Northern Beaches

1

How many hours of sunlight does Northern Beaches get?

Northern Beaches receives an average of 12 hours of daylight per day. This varies throughout the year, from 9.8 hours on the shortest day to 14.3 hours on the longest day.

2

What is the sun angle in Northern Beaches during winter?

During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 32.8° above the horizon at solar noon in Northern Beaches. This creates shadows that are 1.6x the height of objects.

3

When is the best time for outdoor activities in Northern Beaches?

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

4

How do I plan a garden in Northern Beaches for maximum sunlight?

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

5

What time is golden hour in Northern Beaches?

In March, golden hour in Northern Beaches occurs in the morning from 06:57 - 07:57 and in the evening from 18:09 - 19:09. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.

6

What is the UV index in Northern Beaches?

The UV index in Northern Beaches 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 Northern Beaches?

Northern Beaches 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 34° tilt angle.

8

When is sunrise and sunset in Northern Beaches?

In March, sunrise in Northern Beaches is around 06:57 and sunset is around 19:09, giving 12.2 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (05:44) and latest sunset follows shortly after.

9

What is the best month to visit Northern Beaches for weather?

For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in Northern Beaches, 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 Northern Beaches?

Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Northern Beaches. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.2x the height of objects (sun at 80°). In winter, shadows extend to 1.6x object height (sun at just 33°).