Sunlight Hours in Santa Clara
Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Santa Clara, CU
Interactive 3D Shadow Map
Summer afternoon in Santa Clara
Santa Clara
3:30 PM • Summer Solstice
Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of Santa Clara. 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
07:30
Sunset
19:26
Total Daylight
11h 57m
Sun Altitude
66°
at noon
Seasonal Extremes
Longest Day
13.4h
2026-06-21
Shortest Day
10.7h
2026-12-21
Explore Shadows in 3D
See exactly how building shadows fall across Santa Clara at any time of day or year.
22.4071°
-79.9658°
Best Time to Visit Santa Clara
Month-by-month daylight conditions
Santa Clara 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
10.9h
Good
Winter
Feb
11.3h
Good
Spring
Mar
11.9h
Great
Spring
Apr
12.6h
Excellent
Spring
May
13.1h
Excellent
Summer
Jun
13.4h
Excellent
Summer
Jul
13.3h
Excellent
Summer
Aug
12.8h
Excellent
Autumn
Sep
12.2h
Great
Autumn
Oct
11.6h
Great
Autumn
Nov
11.0h
Good
Winter
Dec
10.7h
Good
Golden Hour in Santa Clara
Best times for photography
March Golden Hour
07:30 - 08:30
Blue hour from 07:00
18:26 - 19:26
Blue hour until 19:56
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 Santa Clara's Sunlight
AI-powered insights for your location
Santa Clara's tropical location (22.4°N) creates minimal seasonal variation, with winter days 2.8 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 89° at summer noon but only 44° 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 Santa Clara. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
Solar Energy Potential
Is Santa Clara good for solar panels?
Santa Clara receives approximately 2,422 hours of sunshine annually, making it an excellent location for solar energy. Most residential installations achieve payback within 5-7 years.
Annual Sun Hours
2,422
estimated
Optimal Panel Tilt
22°
facing south
Peak Production
Jun, Jul, May
highest output
Relative Monthly Production
Installation Tips for Santa Clara
- Orient panels south with a 22° 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 (37°), flatter in summer (10°)
UV Index & Sun Safety
Protect yourself in Santa Clara
March UV Index
Maximum protection essential. Avoid outdoor activities during peak hours.
Monthly UV Index
Peak UV Months
Jun, 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 Santa Clara
Best times for popular activities
Best Activities in March
Outdoor Dining
55% match
Hiking & Walking
55% match
Beach & Swimming
55% 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 | 07:04 | 17:54 | 10h 52m | 47° |
February | 06:53 | 18:14 | 11h 20m | 55° |
March | 07:30 | 19:26 | 11h 57m | 66° |
April | 07:02 | 19:37 | 12h 35m | 77° |
May | 06:42 | 19:50 | 13h 7m | 86° |
☀️June | 06:38 | 20:02 | 13h 23m | 89° |
☀️July | 06:47 | 20:04 | 13h 15m | 88° |
☀️August | 06:59 | 19:48 | 12h 47m | 81° |
September | 07:09 | 19:20 | 12h 11m | 70° |
October | 07:18 | 18:52 | 11h 33m | 59° |
November | 06:35 | 17:33 | 10h 59m | 49° |
December | 06:54 | 17:35 | 10h 43m | 45° |
Summer Solstice
13.4h daylight
Winter Solstice
10.7h daylight
Explore Nearby Cities
Sunlight data for surrounding areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Sunlight in Santa Clara
1How many hours of sunlight does Santa Clara get?
How many hours of sunlight does Santa Clara get?
Santa Clara receives an average of 12.1 hours of daylight per day. This varies throughout the year, from 10.7 hours on the shortest day to 13.4 hours on the longest day.
2What is the sun angle in Santa Clara during winter?
What is the sun angle in Santa Clara during winter?
During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 44.2° above the horizon at solar noon in Santa Clara. This creates shadows that are 1.0x the height of objects.
3When is the best time for outdoor activities in Santa Clara?
When is the best time for outdoor activities in Santa Clara?
April through September offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Northern Hemisphere.
4How do I plan a garden in Santa Clara for maximum sunlight?
How do I plan a garden in Santa Clara for maximum sunlight?
South-facing gardens receive the most consistent sunlight year-round in Santa Clara. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
5What time is golden hour in Santa Clara?
What time is golden hour in Santa Clara?
In March, golden hour in Santa Clara occurs in the morning from 07:30 - 08:30 and in the evening from 18:26 - 19:26. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.
6What is the UV index in Santa Clara?
What is the UV index in Santa Clara?
The UV index in Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara?
Are solar panels worth it in Santa Clara?
Santa Clara receives approximately 2,422 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 22° tilt angle.
8When is sunrise and sunset in Santa Clara?
When is sunrise and sunset in Santa Clara?
In March, sunrise in Santa Clara is around 07:30 and sunset is around 19:26, giving 11.9 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (06:39) and latest sunset follows shortly after.
9What is the best month to visit Santa Clara for weather?
What is the best month to visit Santa Clara for weather?
For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in Santa Clara, 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 Santa Clara?
How long are shadows in Santa Clara?
Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Santa Clara. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.0x the height of objects (sun at 89°). In winter, shadows extend to 1.0x object height (sun at just 44°).