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Sunlight Analysis

Sunlight Hours in Santa Maria

Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Santa Maria, Brazil

Interactive 3D Shadow Map

Summer afternoon in Santa Maria

Santa Maria

3:30 PM • Summer Solstice

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Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of Santa Maria. 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.

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Today's Sunlight

March Average

Sunrise

06:38

Sunset

18:49

Total Daylight

12h 10m

Sun Altitude

62°

at noon

Seasonal Extremes

☀️

Longest Day

14.0h

2026-12-21

❄️

Shortest Day

10.1h

2026-06-21

Interactive 3D

Explore Shadows in 3D

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

Location
Lat

-29.6842°

Lng

-53.8069°

Launch 3D Map

Best Time to Visit Santa Maria

Month-by-month daylight conditions

Santa Maria has moderate seasonal variation (3.8h 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

13.7h

Excellent

Summer

Feb

13.0h

Excellent

Autumn

Mar

12.2h

Great

Autumn

Apr

11.3h

Good

Autumn

May

10.6h

Good

Winter

Jun

10.2h

Fair

Winter

Jul

10.4h

Good

Winter

Aug

11.0h

Good

Spring

Sep

11.8h

Great

Spring

Oct

12.7h

Great

Spring

Nov

13.5h

Excellent

Summer

Dec

13.9h

Excellent

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

Golden Hour in Santa Maria

Best times for photography

March Golden Hour

Morning

06:38 - 07:38

Blue hour from 06:08

Evening

17:49 - 18:49

Blue hour until 19:19

Best Months

  • 1Year-round — Consistent golden hour length
  • 2Apr-Oct — Milder temperatures for outdoor shoots
  • 3Dec-Feb — Latest 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

Scout your shot in 3D

See exactly where shadows fall at any time

Understanding Santa Maria's Sunlight

AI-powered insights for your location

Santa Maria's mid-latitude location (29.7°S) creates moderate seasonal variation, with winter days 3.8 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 84° at summer noon but only 37° in winter.

Key Challenges

  • 1Low winter sun angle (37°) 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 Maria. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.

Solar Energy Potential

Is Santa Maria good for solar panels?

With approximately 1,973 annual sun hours, Santa Maria has good solar potential. A well-designed system can significantly reduce electricity costs.

Annual Sun Hours

1,973

estimated

Optimal Panel Tilt

30°

facing north

Peak Production

Dec, Jan, Nov

highest output

Relative Monthly Production

Jan
96%
Feb
82%
Mar
65%
Apr
49%
May
38%
Jun
33%
Jul
35%
Aug
45%
Sep
59%
Oct
76%
Nov
92%
Dec
100%

Installation Tips for Santa Maria

  • Orient panels north with a 30° 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 (45°), flatter in summer (15°)

UV Index & Sun Safety

Protect yourself in Santa Maria

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
9
May
8
Jun
8
Jul
10
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 Maria

Best times for popular activities

Best Activities in March

🥇

Outdoor Dining

56% match

🥈

Hiking & Walking

56% match

🥉

Gardening

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
05:5219:36
13h 41m
81°
☀️February
06:1819:19
13h 1m
73°
March
06:3818:49
12h 10m
62°
April
06:5618:13
11h 17m
51°
May
07:1517:47
10h 33m
42°
June
07:3117:40
10h 11m
38°
July
07:3117:50
10h 22m
39°
August
07:1118:08
10h 59m
47°
September
06:3518:25
11h 50m
58°
October
06:0018:42
12h 43m
69°
November
05:3419:05
13h 30m
79°
☀️December
05:3219:28
13h 53m
83°
☀️

Summer Solstice

14.0h daylight

❄️

Winter Solstice

10.1h daylight

Explore Nearby Cities

Sunlight data for surrounding areas

Cachoeira do Sul

Brazil

12h avg sunlight

Santa Cruz do Sul

Brazil

12h avg sunlight

Ijuí

Brazil

12h avg sunlight

Venâncio Aires

Brazil

12h avg sunlight

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunlight in Santa Maria

1

How many hours of sunlight does Santa Maria get?

Santa Maria receives an average of 12 hours of daylight per day. This varies throughout the year, from 10.1 hours on the shortest day to 14.0 hours on the longest day.

2

What is the sun angle in Santa Maria during winter?

During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 36.9° above the horizon at solar noon in Santa Maria. This creates shadows that are 1.3x the height of objects.

3

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

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

4

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

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

5

What time is golden hour in Santa Maria?

In March, golden hour in Santa Maria occurs in the morning from 06:38 - 07:38 and in the evening from 17:49 - 18:49. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.

6

What is the UV index in Santa Maria?

The UV index in Santa Maria 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 Maria?

Santa Maria receives approximately 1,973 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 30° tilt angle.

8

When is sunrise and sunset in Santa Maria?

In March, sunrise in Santa Maria is around 06:38 and sunset is around 18:49, giving 12.2 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (05:34) and latest sunset follows shortly after.

9

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

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

Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Santa Maria. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.1x the height of objects (sun at 84°). In winter, shadows extend to 1.3x object height (sun at just 37°).