Sunlight Analysis

Sunlight Hours in Santa Fe

Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Santa Fe, Argentina

Interactive 3D Shadow Map

Summer afternoon in Santa Fe

Santa Fe

3:30 PM • Summer Solstice

Full Screen

Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of Santa Fe. 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

07:05

Sunset

19:17

Total Daylight

12h 11m

Sun Altitude

60°

at noon

Seasonal Extremes

☀️

Longest Day

14.1h

2026-12-21

❄️

Shortest Day

10.0h

2026-06-21

Interactive 3D

Explore Shadows in 3D

See exactly how building shadows fall across Santa Fe at any time of day or year.

Location
Lat

-31.6488°

Lng

-60.7087°

Launch 3D Map

Best Time to Visit Santa Fe

Month-by-month daylight conditions

Santa Fe has moderate seasonal variation (4.1h 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

13.8h

Excellent

Summer

Feb

13.1h

Excellent

Autumn

Mar

12.2h

Great

Autumn

Apr

11.2h

Good

Autumn

May

10.4h

Good

Winter

Jun

10.0h

Fair

Winter

Jul

10.2h

Fair

Winter

Aug

10.9h

Good

Spring

Sep

11.8h

Great

Spring

Oct

12.8h

Great

Spring

Nov

13.6h

Excellent

Summer

Dec

14.1h

Excellent

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

Golden Hour in Santa Fe

Best times for photography

March Golden Hour

Morning

07:05 - 08:05

Blue hour from 06:35

Evening

18:17 - 19:17

Blue hour until 19:47

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 Santa Fe's Sunlight

AI-powered insights for your location

Santa Fe's mid-latitude location (31.6°S) creates moderate seasonal variation, with winter days 4.1 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 82° at summer noon but only 35° in winter.

Key Challenges

  • 1Low winter sun angle (35°) 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 Santa Fe. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.

Solar Energy Potential

Is Santa Fe good for solar panels?

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

Annual Sun Hours

1,972

estimated

Optimal Panel Tilt

32°

facing north

Peak Production

Dec, Jan, Nov

highest output

Relative Monthly Production

Jan
96%
Feb
81%
Mar
64%
Apr
48%
May
36%
Jun
31%
Jul
34%
Aug
43%
Sep
58%
Oct
75%
Nov
92%
Dec
100%

Installation Tips for Santa Fe

  • Orient panels north with a 32° 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 (47°), flatter in summer (17°)

UV Index & Sun Safety

Protect yourself in Santa Fe

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

13
Jan
12
Feb
11
Mar
10
Apr
8
May
7
Jun
8
Jul
9
Aug
11
Sep
12
Oct
13
Nov
13
Dec

Peak UV Months

Jan, Nov, Dec 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 Santa Fe

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
06:1520:08
13h 49m
79°
☀️February
06:4319:49
13h 5m
71°
March
07:0519:17
12h 11m
60°
April
07:2618:39
11h 13m
49°
May
07:4618:11
10h 26m
40°
June
08:0318:03
10h 2m
36°
July
08:0318:14
10h 14m
38°
August
07:4118:33
10h 55m
45°
September
07:0418:52
11h 49m
56°
October
06:2619:11
12h 46m
67°
November
05:5819:36
13h 37m
77°
☀️December
05:5420:01
14h 3m
81°
☀️

Summer Solstice

14.1h daylight

❄️

Winter Solstice

10.0h daylight

Explore Nearby Cities

Sunlight data for surrounding areas

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunlight in Santa Fe

1

How many hours of sunlight does Santa Fe get?

Santa Fe receives an average of 12 hours of daylight per day. This varies throughout the year, from 10.0 hours on the shortest day to 14.1 hours on the longest day.

2

What is the sun angle in Santa Fe during winter?

During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 34.9° above the horizon at solar noon in Santa Fe. This creates shadows that are 1.4x the height of objects.

3

When is the best time for outdoor activities in Santa Fe?

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

4

How do I plan a garden in Santa Fe for maximum sunlight?

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

5

What time is golden hour in Santa Fe?

In March, golden hour in Santa Fe occurs in the morning from 07:05 - 08:05 and in the evening from 18:17 - 19:17. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.

6

What is the UV index in Santa Fe?

The UV index in Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe?

Santa Fe 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 32° tilt angle.

8

When is sunrise and sunset in Santa Fe?

In March, sunrise in Santa Fe is around 07:05 and sunset is around 19:17, giving 12.2 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (05:57) and latest sunset follows shortly after.

9

What is the best month to visit Santa Fe for weather?

For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in Santa Fe, 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 Santa Fe?

Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Santa Fe. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.1x the height of objects (sun at 82°). In winter, shadows extend to 1.4x object height (sun at just 35°).