Sunlight Hours in São José
Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for São José, Brazil
Interactive 3D Shadow Map
Summer afternoon in São José
São José
3:30 PM • Summer Solstice
Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of São 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
06:36
Sunset
17:56
Total Daylight
11h 19m
Sun Altitude
52°
at noon
Seasonal Extremes
Longest Day
13.8h
2026-12-21
Shortest Day
10.3h
2026-06-21
Explore Shadows in 3D
See exactly how building shadows fall across São José at any time of day or year.
-28.2134°
-49.1638°
Best Time to Visit São José
Month-by-month daylight conditions
São José has moderate seasonal variation (3.6h 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
13.6h
Excellent
Summer
Feb
12.9h
Excellent
Autumn
Mar
12.2h
Great
Autumn
Apr
11.3h
Good
Autumn
May
10.6h
Good
Winter
Jun
10.3h
Good
Winter
Jul
10.5h
Good
Winter
Aug
11.1h
Good
Spring
Sep
11.8h
Great
Spring
Oct
12.7h
Great
Spring
Nov
13.4h
Excellent
Summer
Dec
13.8h
Excellent
Golden Hour in São José
Best times for photography
April Golden Hour
06:36 - 07:36
Blue hour from 06:06
16:56 - 17:56
Blue hour until 18:26
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
Understanding São José's Sunlight
AI-powered insights for your location
São José's mid-latitude location (28.2°S) creates moderate seasonal variation, with winter days 3.6 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 85° at summer noon but only 38° in winter.
Key Challenges
- 1Low winter sun angle (38°) 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 São José. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
Solar Energy Potential
Is São José good for solar panels?
With approximately 1,973 annual sun hours, São José has good solar potential. A well-designed system can significantly reduce electricity costs.
Annual Sun Hours
1,973
estimated
Optimal Panel Tilt
28°
facing north
Peak Production
Dec, Jan, Nov
highest output
Relative Monthly Production
Installation Tips for São José
- Orient panels north with a 28° 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 (43°), flatter in summer (13°)
UV Index & Sun Safety
Protect yourself in São José
April UV Index
Extra protection needed. Avoid midday sun if possible.
Monthly UV Index
Peak UV Months
Jan, Feb, Nov have the highest UV levels (up to 13). Take extra precautions during these months.
Protection Needed
- SPF 50+ sunscreen (reapply frequently)
- Cover up with clothing
- Avoid sun exposure 10am-4pm
Outdoor Activities in São José
Best times for popular activities
Best Activities in April
Outdoor Dining
51% match
Hiking & Walking
51% match
Photography
51% 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 | 05:36 | 19:15 | 13h 35m | 82° |
☀️February | 06:01 | 18:59 | 12h 57m | 74° |
March | 06:19 | 18:30 | 12h 10m | 64° |
April | 06:36 | 17:56 | 11h 19m | 52° |
May | 06:54 | 17:31 | 10h 38m | 43° |
June | 07:09 | 17:25 | 10h 18m | 39° |
July | 07:10 | 17:35 | 10h 28m | 41° |
August | 06:50 | 17:51 | 11h 3m | 48° |
September | 06:17 | 18:07 | 11h 50m | 59° |
October | 05:42 | 18:22 | 12h 40m | 71° |
November | 05:18 | 18:44 | 13h 25m | 80° |
☀️December | 05:16 | 19:06 | 13h 47m | 85° |
Summer Solstice
13.8h daylight
Winter Solstice
10.3h daylight
Frequently Asked Questions
Sunlight in São José
1How many hours of sunlight does São José get?
How many hours of sunlight does São José get?
São José receives an average of 12 hours of daylight per day. This varies throughout the year, from 10.3 hours on the shortest day to 13.8 hours on the longest day.
2What is the sun angle in São José during winter?
What is the sun angle in São José during winter?
During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 38.3° above the horizon at solar noon in São José. This creates shadows that are 1.3x the height of objects.
3When is the best time for outdoor activities in São José?
When is the best time for outdoor activities in São José?
October through March offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Southern Hemisphere.
4How do I plan a garden in São José for maximum sunlight?
How do I plan a garden in São José for maximum sunlight?
North-facing gardens receive the most consistent sunlight year-round in São José. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
5What time is golden hour in São José?
What time is golden hour in São José?
In April, golden hour in São José occurs in the morning from 06:36 - 07:36 and in the evening from 16:56 - 17:56. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.
6What is the UV index in São José?
What is the UV index in São José?
The UV index in São José 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).
7Are solar panels worth it in São José?
Are solar panels worth it in São José?
São José 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 28° tilt angle.
8When is sunrise and sunset in São José?
When is sunrise and sunset in São José?
In April, sunrise in São José is around 06:36 and sunset is around 17:56, giving 11.3 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 São José for weather?
What is the best month to visit São José for weather?
For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in São José, 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.
10How long are shadows in São José?
How long are shadows in São José?
Shadow length varies dramatically by season in São José. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.1x the height of objects (sun at 85°). In winter, shadows extend to 1.3x object height (sun at just 38°).