Sunlight Hours in Oulu
Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Oulu, Finland
Interactive 3D Shadow Map
Summer afternoon in Oulu
Oulu
3:30 PM • Summer Solstice
Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of Oulu. 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
06:42
Sunset
18:12
Total Daylight
11h 34m
Sun Altitude
23°
at noon
Seasonal Extremes
Longest Day
21.4h
2026-06-21
Shortest Day
3.1h
2026-12-21
Explore Shadows in 3D
See exactly how building shadows fall across Oulu at any time of day or year.
65.0124°
25.4682°
Best Time to Visit Oulu
Month-by-month daylight conditions
Oulu's high latitude creates extreme seasonal variation. Summer offers up to 21.4 hours of daylight, while winter days are as short as 3.1 hours.
Peak Months
Jun, Jul, May, Aug
Shoulder Season
Apr & Sep
Winter
Jan
4.9h
Limited
Winter
Feb
8.2h
Limited
Spring
Mar
11.6h
Good
Spring
Apr
15.1h
Excellent
Spring
May
18.5h
Excellent
Summer
Jun
20.9h
Excellent
Summer
Jul
19.6h
Excellent
Summer
Aug
16.3h
Excellent
Autumn
Sep
12.9h
Great
Autumn
Oct
9.5h
Fair
Autumn
Nov
6.0h
Limited
Winter
Dec
3.6h
Limited
Golden Hour in Oulu
Best times for photography
March Golden Hour
06:42 - 07:42
Blue hour from 06:12
17:12 - 18:12
Blue hour until 18:42
Best Months
- 1May-Jul — Midnight sun / extended golden hour
- 2Sep-Oct — Northern lights + autumn colors
- 3Dec-Jan — Blue hour all day, dramatic light
Photography Tips
- During summer, enjoy extended golden hours that can last for hours due to the low sun angle
- Winter offers dramatic low-angle light even at midday, perfect for moody landscapes
- Face south during midday for even lighting on subjects
- Check the 3D shadow map to scout locations and predict light direction
Understanding Oulu's Sunlight
AI-powered insights for your location
Oulu's high-latitude location (65.0°N) creates significant seasonal variation, with winter days 18.3 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 48° at summer noon but only 2° in winter.
Key Challenges
- 1Very low winter sun angle (2°) creates long shadows
- 2Winter shadows extend 37.0x object height
- 3Large daylight variation (18.3h) between seasons
- 4Short winter days (3.1h) limit outdoor activities
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 Oulu. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
Solar Energy Potential
Is Oulu good for solar panels?
Oulu receives around 1,344 sun hours annually. Solar panels are viable but may have longer payback periods. Consider high-efficiency panels.
Annual Sun Hours
1,344
estimated
Optimal Panel Tilt
65°
facing south
Peak Production
Jun, Jul, May
highest output
Relative Monthly Production
Installation Tips for Oulu
- Orient panels south with a 65° 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 (80°), flatter in summer (50°)
UV Index & Sun Safety
Protect yourself in Oulu
March UV Index
Take precautions during midday hours (10am-4pm).
Monthly UV Index
Peak UV Months
Jun, Jul, May have the highest UV levels (up to 8). Take extra precautions during these months.
Protection Needed
- SPF 30+ sunscreen
- Wear a hat and sunglasses
- Seek shade during midday
Outdoor Activities in Oulu
Best times for popular activities
Best Activities in March
Gardening
32% match
Outdoor Dining
22% match
Hiking & Walking
22% 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 | 10:06 | 14:49 | 4h 55m | 5° |
February | 08:24 | 16:41 | 8h 14m | 13° |
March | 06:42 | 18:12 | 11h 34m | 23° |
April | 05:49 | 20:49 | 15h 3m | 35° |
May | 04:02 | 22:29 | 18h 29m | 44° |
☀️June | 02:40 | 23:58 | 20h 52m | 48° |
☀️July | 03:27 | 23:18 | 19h 39m | 46° |
☀️August | 05:09 | 21:33 | 16h 20m | 39° |
September | 06:44 | 19:40 | 12h 53m | 28° |
October | 08:16 | 17:50 | 9h 29m | 16° |
November | 09:02 | 15:02 | 5h 59m | 7° |
December | 10:35 | 13:50 | 3h 38m | 2° |
Summer Solstice
21.4h daylight
Winter Solstice
3.1h daylight
Explore Nearby Cities
Sunlight data for surrounding areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Sunlight in Oulu
1How many hours of sunlight does Oulu get?
How many hours of sunlight does Oulu get?
Oulu receives an average of 12.3 hours of daylight per day. This varies throughout the year, from 3.1 hours on the shortest day to 21.4 hours on the longest day.
2What is the sun angle in Oulu during winter?
What is the sun angle in Oulu during winter?
During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 1.5° above the horizon at solar noon in Oulu. This creates shadows that are 37.0x the height of objects.
3When is the best time for outdoor activities in Oulu?
When is the best time for outdoor activities in Oulu?
April through September offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Northern Hemisphere.
4How do I plan a garden in Oulu for maximum sunlight?
How do I plan a garden in Oulu for maximum sunlight?
South-facing gardens receive the most consistent sunlight year-round in Oulu. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
5What time is golden hour in Oulu?
What time is golden hour in Oulu?
In March, golden hour in Oulu occurs in the morning from 06:42 - 07:42 and in the evening from 17:12 - 18:12. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.
6What is the UV index in Oulu?
What is the UV index in Oulu?
The UV index in Oulu varies by season. During summer, UV can reach 8 (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 Oulu?
Are solar panels worth it in Oulu?
Oulu receives approximately 1,344 hours of sunshine annually. Solar is viable but evaluate costs carefully as payback periods may be longer. For optimal performance, orient panels south at a 65° tilt angle.
8When is sunrise and sunset in Oulu?
When is sunrise and sunset in Oulu?
In March, sunrise in Oulu is around 06:42 and sunset is around 18:12, giving 11.6 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (02:38) and latest sunset follows shortly after.
9What is the best month to visit Oulu for weather?
What is the best month to visit Oulu for weather?
For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in Oulu, 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 Oulu?
How long are shadows in Oulu?
Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Oulu. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.9x the height of objects (sun at 48°). In winter, shadows extend to 37.0x object height (sun at just 2°).