Sunlight Hours in Santiago de Cuba
Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Santiago de Cuba, CU
Interactive 3D Shadow Map
Summer afternoon in Santiago de Cuba
Santiago de Cuba
3:30 PM • Summer Solstice
Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of Santiago de Cuba. 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
07:14
Sunset
19:10
Total Daylight
11h 58m
Sun Altitude
68°
at noon
Seasonal Extremes
Longest Day
13.3h
2026-06-21
Shortest Day
10.8h
2026-12-21
Explore Shadows in 3D
See exactly how building shadows fall across Santiago de Cuba at any time of day or year.
20.0229°
-75.8217°
Best Time to Visit Santiago de Cuba
Month-by-month daylight conditions
Santiago de Cuba 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
11.0h
Good
Winter
Feb
11.4h
Great
Spring
Mar
12.0h
Great
Spring
Apr
12.5h
Excellent
Spring
May
13.0h
Excellent
Summer
Jun
13.2h
Excellent
Summer
Jul
13.1h
Excellent
Summer
Aug
12.7h
Excellent
Autumn
Sep
12.2h
Great
Autumn
Oct
11.6h
Great
Autumn
Nov
11.1h
Good
Winter
Dec
10.9h
Good
Golden Hour in Santiago de Cuba
Best times for photography
March Golden Hour
07:14 - 08:14
Blue hour from 06:44
18:10 - 19:10
Blue hour until 19:40
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 Santiago de Cuba's Sunlight
AI-powered insights for your location
Santiago de Cuba's tropical location (20.0°N) creates minimal seasonal variation, with winter days 2.4 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 87° at summer noon but only 46° 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 Santiago de Cuba. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
Solar Energy Potential
Is Santiago de Cuba good for solar panels?
Santiago de Cuba receives approximately 2,421 hours of sunshine annually, making it an excellent location for solar energy. Most residential installations achieve payback within 5-7 years.
Annual Sun Hours
2,421
estimated
Optimal Panel Tilt
20°
facing south
Peak Production
Jul, May, Jun
highest output
Relative Monthly Production
Installation Tips for Santiago de Cuba
- Orient panels south with a 20° 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 (35°), flatter in summer (10°)
UV Index & Sun Safety
Protect yourself in Santiago de Cuba
March UV Index
Maximum protection essential. Avoid outdoor activities during peak hours.
Monthly UV Index
Peak UV Months
May, Jun, Jul 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 Santiago de Cuba
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 | 06:43 | 17:41 | 11h 0m | 50° |
February | 06:34 | 18:00 | 11h 25m | 58° |
March | 07:14 | 19:10 | 11h 58m | 68° |
April | 06:47 | 19:19 | 12h 31m | 80° |
May | 06:29 | 19:29 | 12h 59m | 87° |
☀️June | 06:26 | 19:41 | 13h 13m | 87° |
☀️July | 06:35 | 19:43 | 13h 7m | 88° |
☀️August | 06:45 | 19:29 | 12h 43m | 83° |
September | 06:53 | 19:03 | 12h 10m | 73° |
October | 07:00 | 18:37 | 11h 36m | 61° |
November | 06:14 | 17:20 | 11h 7m | 52° |
December | 06:33 | 17:23 | 10h 52m | 47° |
Summer Solstice
13.3h daylight
Winter Solstice
10.8h daylight
Explore Nearby Cities
Sunlight data for surrounding areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Sunlight in Santiago de Cuba
1How many hours of sunlight does Santiago de Cuba get?
How many hours of sunlight does Santiago de Cuba get?
Santiago de Cuba receives an average of 12.1 hours of daylight per day. This varies throughout the year, from 10.8 hours on the shortest day to 13.3 hours on the longest day.
2What is the sun angle in Santiago de Cuba during winter?
What is the sun angle in Santiago de Cuba during winter?
During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 46.5° above the horizon at solar noon in Santiago de Cuba. This creates shadows that are 0.9x the height of objects.
3When is the best time for outdoor activities in Santiago de Cuba?
When is the best time for outdoor activities in Santiago de Cuba?
April through September offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Northern Hemisphere.
4How do I plan a garden in Santiago de Cuba for maximum sunlight?
How do I plan a garden in Santiago de Cuba for maximum sunlight?
South-facing gardens receive the most consistent sunlight year-round in Santiago de Cuba. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
5What time is golden hour in Santiago de Cuba?
What time is golden hour in Santiago de Cuba?
In March, golden hour in Santiago de Cuba occurs in the morning from 07:14 - 08:14 and in the evening from 18:10 - 19:10. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.
6What is the UV index in Santiago de Cuba?
What is the UV index in Santiago de Cuba?
The UV index in Santiago de Cuba 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 Santiago de Cuba?
Are solar panels worth it in Santiago de Cuba?
Santiago de Cuba receives approximately 2,421 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 20° tilt angle.
8When is sunrise and sunset in Santiago de Cuba?
When is sunrise and sunset in Santiago de Cuba?
In March, sunrise in Santiago de Cuba is around 07:14 and sunset is around 19:10, giving 12.0 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (06:27) and latest sunset follows shortly after.
9What is the best month to visit Santiago de Cuba for weather?
What is the best month to visit Santiago de Cuba for weather?
For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in Santiago de Cuba, 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 Santiago de Cuba?
How long are shadows in Santiago de Cuba?
Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Santiago de Cuba. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.1x the height of objects (sun at 87°). In winter, shadows extend to 0.9x object height (sun at just 47°).