Sunlight Hours in Richmond
Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Richmond, Canada
Interactive 3D Shadow Map
Summer afternoon in Richmond
Richmond
3:30 PM • Summer Solstice
Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of Richmond. 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
07:28
Sunset
19:14
Total Daylight
11h 48m
Sun Altitude
39°
at noon
Seasonal Extremes
Longest Day
16.1h
2026-06-21
Shortest Day
8.1h
2026-12-21
Explore Shadows in 3D
See exactly how building shadows fall across Richmond at any time of day or year.
49.1700°
-123.1368°
Best Time to Visit Richmond
Month-by-month daylight conditions
Richmond experiences significant seasonal variation with 16.1h of daylight in summer vs 8.1h in winter. Plan outdoor activities for late spring through early autumn.
Peak Months
Jun, Jul, May, Aug
Shoulder Season
Apr & Sep
Winter
Jan
8.7h
Limited
Winter
Feb
10.1h
Fair
Spring
Mar
11.8h
Good
Spring
Apr
13.6h
Excellent
Spring
May
15.2h
Excellent
Summer
Jun
16.0h
Excellent
Summer
Jul
15.6h
Excellent
Summer
Aug
14.2h
Excellent
Autumn
Sep
12.5h
Great
Autumn
Oct
10.7h
Good
Autumn
Nov
9.0h
Limited
Winter
Dec
8.2h
Limited
Golden Hour in Richmond
Best times for photography
March Golden Hour
07:28 - 08:28
Blue hour from 06:58
18:14 - 19:14
Blue hour until 19:44
Best Months
- 1May-Jun — Long golden hours, lush landscapes
- 2Sep-Oct — Warm light + fall foliage
- 3Dec — Low sun angle all day
Photography Tips
- Summer golden hours are longer and more gradual than in tropical locations
- Autumn and spring offer the most balanced lighting conditions
- Face south during midday for even lighting on subjects
- Check the 3D shadow map to scout locations and predict light direction
Understanding Richmond's Sunlight
AI-powered insights for your location
Richmond's high-latitude location (49.2°N) creates significant seasonal variation, with winter days 8.0 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 64° at summer noon but only 17° in winter.
Key Challenges
- 1Very low winter sun angle (17°) creates long shadows
- 2Winter shadows extend 3.2x object height
- 3Large daylight variation (8.0h) between seasons
- 4Short winter days (8.1h) 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 Richmond. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
Solar Energy Potential
Is Richmond good for solar panels?
With approximately 1,682 annual sun hours, Richmond has good solar potential. A well-designed system can significantly reduce electricity costs.
Annual Sun Hours
1,682
estimated
Optimal Panel Tilt
49°
facing south
Peak Production
Jun, Jul, May
highest output
Relative Monthly Production
Installation Tips for Richmond
- Orient panels south with a 49° 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 (64°), flatter in summer (34°)
UV Index & Sun Safety
Protect yourself in Richmond
March UV Index
Protection required. Reduce sun exposure during midday.
Monthly UV Index
Peak UV Months
Jun, May, Jul have the highest UV levels (up to 11). Take extra precautions during these months.
Protection Needed
- SPF 30+ sunscreen (reapply every 2h)
- Protective clothing and hat
- Seek shade 10am-4pm
Outdoor Activities in Richmond
Best times for popular activities
Best Activities in March
Gardening
34% 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 | 08:05 | 16:38 | 8h 40m | 20° |
February | 07:24 | 17:29 | 10h 5m | 29° |
March | 07:28 | 19:14 | 11h 48m | 39° |
April | 06:24 | 20:01 | 13h 37m | 51° |
May | 05:33 | 20:45 | 15h 10m | 60° |
☀️June | 05:11 | 21:15 | 15h 58m | 64° |
☀️July | 05:28 | 21:08 | 15h 34m | 62° |
☀️August | 06:08 | 20:24 | 14h 12m | 54° |
September | 06:52 | 19:21 | 12h 28m | 43° |
October | 07:37 | 18:18 | 10h 40m | 32° |
November | 07:26 | 16:26 | 9h 2m | 23° |
December | 08:05 | 16:10 | 8h 12m | 18° |
Summer Solstice
16.1h daylight
Winter Solstice
8.1h daylight
Explore Nearby Cities
Sunlight data for surrounding areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Sunlight in Richmond
1How many hours of sunlight does Richmond get?
How many hours of sunlight does Richmond get?
Richmond receives an average of 12.1 hours of daylight per day. This varies throughout the year, from 8.1 hours on the shortest day to 16.1 hours on the longest day.
2What is the sun angle in Richmond during winter?
What is the sun angle in Richmond during winter?
During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 17.4° above the horizon at solar noon in Richmond. This creates shadows that are 3.2x the height of objects.
3When is the best time for outdoor activities in Richmond?
When is the best time for outdoor activities in Richmond?
April through September offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Northern Hemisphere.
4How do I plan a garden in Richmond for maximum sunlight?
How do I plan a garden in Richmond for maximum sunlight?
South-facing gardens receive the most consistent sunlight year-round in Richmond. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
5What time is golden hour in Richmond?
What time is golden hour in Richmond?
In March, golden hour in Richmond occurs in the morning from 07:28 - 08:28 and in the evening from 18:14 - 19:14. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.
6What is the UV index in Richmond?
What is the UV index in Richmond?
The UV index in Richmond varies by season. During summer, UV can reach 11 (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 Richmond?
Are solar panels worth it in Richmond?
Richmond receives approximately 1,682 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 49° tilt angle.
8When is sunrise and sunset in Richmond?
When is sunrise and sunset in Richmond?
In March, sunrise in Richmond is around 07:28 and sunset is around 19:14, giving 11.8 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (05:11) and latest sunset follows shortly after.
9What is the best month to visit Richmond for weather?
What is the best month to visit Richmond for weather?
For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in Richmond, 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 Richmond?
How long are shadows in Richmond?
Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Richmond. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.5x the height of objects (sun at 64°). In winter, shadows extend to 3.2x object height (sun at just 17°).