Sunlight Hours in Tampa
Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Tampa, Florida, United States
Interactive 3D Shadow Map
Summer afternoon in Tampa
Tampa
3:30 PM • Summer Solstice
Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of Tampa. 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
07:41
Sunset
19:35
Total Daylight
11h 55m
Sun Altitude
60°
at noon
Seasonal Extremes
Longest Day
13.8h
2026-06-21
Shortest Day
10.3h
2026-12-21
Explore Shadows in 3D
See exactly how building shadows fall across Tampa at any time of day or year.
27.9475°
-82.4584°
Best Time to Visit Tampa
Month-by-month daylight conditions
Tampa has moderate seasonal variation (3.5h difference between longest and shortest days). May-August offers the best conditions for outdoor activities.
Peak Months
Jun, Jul, May, Aug
Shoulder Season
Apr & Sep
Winter
Jan
10.5h
Good
Winter
Feb
11.1h
Good
Spring
Mar
11.9h
Great
Spring
Apr
12.8h
Excellent
Spring
May
13.4h
Excellent
Summer
Jun
13.8h
Excellent
Summer
Jul
13.6h
Excellent
Summer
Aug
13.0h
Excellent
Autumn
Sep
12.2h
Great
Autumn
Oct
11.4h
Good
Autumn
Nov
10.7h
Good
Winter
Dec
10.3h
Good
Golden Hour in Tampa
Best times for photography
March Golden Hour
07:41 - 08:41
Blue hour from 07:11
18:35 - 19:35
Blue hour until 20:05
Best Months
- 1Year-round — Consistent golden hour length
- 2Oct-Apr — Milder temperatures for outdoor shoots
- 3Jun-Aug — 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 south during midday for even lighting on subjects
- Check the 3D shadow map to scout locations and predict light direction
Understanding Tampa's Sunlight
AI-powered insights for your location
Tampa's mid-latitude location (27.9°N) creates moderate seasonal variation, with winter days 3.5 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 86° at summer noon but only 39° in winter.
Key Challenges
- 1Low winter sun angle (39°) affects south-facing properties
- 2Consider local weather patterns that may affect sunshine
- 3Urban 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 Tampa. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
Solar Energy Potential
Is Tampa good for solar panels?
With approximately 1,983 annual sun hours, Tampa has good solar potential. A well-designed system can significantly reduce electricity costs.
Annual Sun Hours
1,983
estimated
Optimal Panel Tilt
28°
facing south
Peak Production
Jun, Jul, May
highest output
Relative Monthly Production
Installation Tips for Tampa
- Orient panels south 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 Tampa
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 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 Tampa
Best times for popular activities
Best Activities in March
Gardening
55% match
Outdoor Dining
25% match
Hiking & Walking
25% 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 | 07:25 | 17:53 | 10h 32m | 42° |
February | 07:09 | 18:18 | 11h 8m | 50° |
March | 07:41 | 19:35 | 11h 55m | 60° |
April | 07:07 | 19:52 | 12h 45m | 72° |
May | 06:42 | 20:09 | 13h 26m | 81° |
☀️June | 06:36 | 20:24 | 13h 46m | 85° |
☀️July | 06:46 | 20:25 | 13h 37m | 83° |
☀️August | 07:02 | 20:05 | 13h 1m | 75° |
September | 07:17 | 19:31 | 12h 13m | 65° |
October | 07:32 | 18:57 | 11h 25m | 53° |
November | 06:54 | 17:34 | 10h 41m | 44° |
December | 07:16 | 17:33 | 10h 20m | 39° |
Summer Solstice
13.8h daylight
Winter Solstice
10.3h daylight
Explore Nearby Cities
Sunlight data for surrounding areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Sunlight in Tampa
1How many hours of sunlight does Tampa get?
How many hours of sunlight does Tampa get?
Tampa receives an average of 12.1 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 Tampa during winter?
What is the sun angle in Tampa during winter?
During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 38.6° above the horizon at solar noon in Tampa. This creates shadows that are 1.3x the height of objects.
3When is the best time for outdoor activities in Tampa?
When is the best time for outdoor activities in Tampa?
April through September offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Northern Hemisphere.
4How do I plan a garden in Tampa for maximum sunlight?
How do I plan a garden in Tampa for maximum sunlight?
South-facing gardens receive the most consistent sunlight year-round in Tampa. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
5What time is golden hour in Tampa?
What time is golden hour in Tampa?
In March, golden hour in Tampa occurs in the morning from 07:41 - 08:41 and in the evening from 18:35 - 19:35. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.
6What is the UV index in Tampa?
What is the UV index in Tampa?
The UV index in Tampa 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 Tampa?
Are solar panels worth it in Tampa?
Tampa receives approximately 1,983 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 28° tilt angle.
8When is sunrise and sunset in Tampa?
When is sunrise and sunset in Tampa?
In March, sunrise in Tampa is around 07:41 and sunset is around 19:35, giving 11.9 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (06:37) and latest sunset follows shortly after.
9What is the best month to visit Tampa for weather?
What is the best month to visit Tampa for weather?
For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in Tampa, 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 Tampa?
How long are shadows in Tampa?
Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Tampa. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.1x the height of objects (sun at 86°). In winter, shadows extend to 1.3x object height (sun at just 39°).