Sunlight Hours in San José
Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for San José, CR
Interactive 3D Shadow Map
Summer afternoon in San José
San José
3:30 PM • Summer Solstice
Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of San José. 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
April Average
Sunrise
05:28
Sunset
17:44
Total Daylight
12h 16m
Sun Altitude
87°
at noon
Seasonal Extremes
Longest Day
12.6h
2026-06-21
Shortest Day
11.5h
2026-12-21
Explore Shadows in 3D
See exactly how building shadows fall across San José at any time of day or year.
9.9339°
-84.0849°
Best Time to Visit San José
Month-by-month daylight conditions
San José lies in the tropics with consistent daylight year-round. Any time of year offers good sunlight conditions.
Peak Months
Jun, Jul, May, Aug
Shoulder Season
Apr & Sep
Winter
Jan
11.5h
Great
Winter
Feb
11.7h
Great
Spring
Mar
12.0h
Great
Spring
Apr
12.3h
Excellent
Spring
May
12.5h
Excellent
Summer
Jun
12.6h
Excellent
Summer
Jul
12.6h
Excellent
Summer
Aug
12.4h
Excellent
Autumn
Sep
12.1h
Great
Autumn
Oct
11.8h
Great
Autumn
Nov
11.6h
Great
Winter
Dec
11.5h
Great
Golden Hour in San José
Best times for photography
April Golden Hour
05:28 - 06:28
Blue hour from 04:58
16:44 - 17:44
Blue hour until 18:14
Best Months
- 1Year-round — Consistent golden hour length
- 2Oct-Apr — Milder temperatures for outdoor shoots
- 3Jun-Aug — Latest sunsets for evening shoots
Photography Tips
- In the tropics, golden hour is brief but intense - arrive early to your location
- The sun rises and sets nearly vertically, creating short but vibrant color displays
- Face south during midday for even lighting on subjects
- Check the 3D shadow map to scout locations and predict light direction
Understanding San José's Sunlight
AI-powered insights for your location
San José's tropical location (9.9°N) creates minimal seasonal variation, with winter days 1.2 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 76° at summer noon but only 57° 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 San José. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
Solar Energy Potential
Is San José good for solar panels?
San José receives approximately 2,418 hours of sunshine annually, making it an excellent location for solar energy. Most residential installations achieve payback within 5-7 years.
Annual Sun Hours
2,418
estimated
Optimal Panel Tilt
10°
facing south
Peak Production
Apr, Aug, Sep
highest output
Relative Monthly Production
Installation Tips for San José
- Orient panels south with a 10° 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 (25°), flatter in summer (10°)
UV Index & Sun Safety
Protect yourself in San José
April UV Index
Maximum protection essential. Avoid outdoor activities during peak hours.
Monthly UV Index
Peak UV Months
Mar, Apr, May have the highest UV levels (up to 14). 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 San José
Best times for popular activities
Best Activities in April
Outdoor Dining
57% match
Hiking & Walking
57% match
Beach & Swimming
57% 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 | 06:00 | 17:31 | 11h 32m | 60° |
February | 05:58 | 17:42 | 11h 44m | 68° |
March | 05:45 | 17:44 | 12h 0m | 78° |
April | 05:28 | 17:44 | 12h 16m | 87° |
May | 05:17 | 17:47 | 12h 29m | 81° |
☀️June | 05:18 | 17:55 | 12h 36m | 77° |
☀️July | 05:25 | 17:59 | 12h 33m | 79° |
☀️August | 05:29 | 17:51 | 12h 22m | 86° |
September | 05:28 | 17:34 | 12h 5m | 83° |
October | 05:27 | 17:16 | 11h 50m | 71° |
November | 05:33 | 17:08 | 11h 36m | 62° |
December | 05:47 | 17:15 | 11h 29m | 57° |
Summer Solstice
12.6h daylight
Winter Solstice
11.5h daylight
Frequently Asked Questions
Sunlight in San José
1How many hours of sunlight does San José get?
How many hours of sunlight does San José get?
San José receives an average of 12 hours of daylight per day. This varies throughout the year, from 11.5 hours on the shortest day to 12.6 hours on the longest day.
2What is the sun angle in San José during winter?
What is the sun angle in San José during winter?
During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 56.6° above the horizon at solar noon in San José. This creates shadows that are 0.7x the height of objects.
3When is the best time for outdoor activities in San José?
When is the best time for outdoor activities in San José?
April through September offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Northern Hemisphere.
4How do I plan a garden in San José for maximum sunlight?
How do I plan a garden in San José for maximum sunlight?
South-facing gardens receive the most consistent sunlight year-round in San José. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
5What time is golden hour in San José?
What time is golden hour in San José?
In April, golden hour in San José occurs in the morning from 05:28 - 06:28 and in the evening from 16:44 - 17:44. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.
6What is the UV index in San José?
What is the UV index in San José?
The UV index in San José varies by season. During summer, UV can reach 14 (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 San José?
Are solar panels worth it in San José?
San José receives approximately 2,418 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 10° tilt angle.
8When is sunrise and sunset in San José?
When is sunrise and sunset in San José?
In April, sunrise in San José is around 05:28 and sunset is around 17:44, giving 12.3 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (05:19) and latest sunset follows shortly after.
9What is the best month to visit San José for weather?
What is the best month to visit San José for weather?
For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in San José, 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 San José?
How long are shadows in San José?
Shadow length varies dramatically by season in San José. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.2x the height of objects (sun at 77°). In winter, shadows extend to 0.7x object height (sun at just 57°).