Sunlight Analysis

Sunlight Hours in Vaughan

Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Vaughan, Canada

Interactive 3D Shadow Map

Summer afternoon in Vaughan

Vaughan

3:30 PM • Summer Solstice

Full Screen

Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of Vaughan. 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

07:33

Sunset

19:21

Total Daylight

11h 50m

Sun Altitude

45°

at noon

Seasonal Extremes

☀️

Longest Day

15.3h

2026-06-21

❄️

Shortest Day

8.8h

2026-12-21

Interactive 3D

Explore Shadows in 3D

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

Location
Lat

43.8361°

Lng

-79.4983°

Launch 3D Map

Best Time to Visit Vaughan

Month-by-month daylight conditions

Vaughan has moderate seasonal variation (6.6h 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

9.3h

Fair

Winter

Feb

10.4h

Good

Spring

Mar

11.8h

Great

Spring

Apr

13.3h

Excellent

Spring

May

14.6h

Excellent

Summer

Jun

15.2h

Excellent

Summer

Jul

14.9h

Excellent

Summer

Aug

13.8h

Excellent

Autumn

Sep

12.4h

Great

Autumn

Oct

10.9h

Good

Autumn

Nov

9.6h

Fair

Winter

Dec

8.9h

Limited

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

Golden Hour in Vaughan

Best times for photography

March Golden Hour

Morning

07:33 - 08:33

Blue hour from 07:03

Evening

18:21 - 19:21

Blue hour until 19:51

Best Months

  • 1Year-roundConsistent golden hour length
  • 2Oct-AprMilder temperatures for outdoor shoots
  • 3Jun-AugLatest 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 Vaughan's Sunlight

AI-powered insights for your location

Vaughan's mid-latitude location (43.8°N) creates moderate seasonal variation, with winter days 6.6 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 70° at summer noon but only 23° in winter.

Key Challenges

  • 1Very low winter sun angle (23°) creates long shadows
  • 2Winter shadows extend 2.4x object height
  • 3Large daylight variation (6.6h) between seasons
  • 4Short winter days (8.8h) limit outdoor activities

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 Vaughan. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.

Solar Energy Potential

Is Vaughan good for solar panels?

With approximately 1,989 annual sun hours, Vaughan has good solar potential. A well-designed system can significantly reduce electricity costs.

Annual Sun Hours

1,989

estimated

Optimal Panel Tilt

44°

facing south

Peak Production

Jun, Jul, May

highest output

Relative Monthly Production

Jan
23%
Feb
33%
Mar
50%
Apr
71%
May
90%
Jun
100%
Jul
95%
Aug
78%
Sep
57%
Oct
39%
Nov
25%
Dec
20%

Installation Tips for Vaughan

  • Orient panels south with a 44° 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 (59°), flatter in summer (29°)

UV Index & Sun Safety

Protect yourself in Vaughan

March UV Index

8Very High

Extra protection needed. Avoid midday sun if possible.

UV Index Scale:
1-2 Low3-5 Mod6-7 High8-10 V.High11+ Ext

Monthly UV Index

5
Jan
7
Feb
8
Mar
10
Apr
11
May
11
Jun
11
Jul
10
Aug
9
Sep
7
Oct
6
Nov
5
Dec

Peak UV Months

May, Jun, Jul have the highest UV levels (up to 11). 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 Vaughan

Best times for popular activities

Best Activities in March

🥇

Gardening

54% match

🥈

Outdoor Dining

24% match

🥉

Hiking & Walking

24% 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:Jun, Jul, Aug

Hiking & Walking

Mild temperatures and good daylight make spring and autumn ideal for trails.

Best:Apr, May, Sep

Beach & Swimming

Peak sun and warmest temperatures during summer months.

Best:Jun, Jul, Aug

Seasonal Sunlight Calendar

Monthly averages throughout the year

MonthSunriseSunsetDaylightSun Angle
January
07:5217:02
9h 16m
26°
February
07:1917:44
10h 25m
34°
March
07:3319:21
11h 50m
45°
April
06:3819:58
13h 20m
56°
May
05:5520:33
14h 36m
65°
☀️June
05:3820:58
15h 14m
69°
☀️July
05:5320:54
14h 56m
67°
☀️August
06:2520:18
13h 50m
60°
September
07:0019:24
12h 23m
49°
October
07:3518:31
10h 54m
37°
November
07:1616:48
9h 34m
28°
December
07:4816:37
8h 54m
23°
☀️

Summer Solstice

15.3h daylight

❄️

Winter Solstice

8.8h daylight

Explore Nearby Cities

Sunlight data for surrounding areas

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunlight in Vaughan

1

How many hours of sunlight does Vaughan get?

Vaughan receives an average of 12.1 hours of daylight per day. This varies throughout the year, from 8.8 hours on the shortest day to 15.3 hours on the longest day.

2

What is the sun angle in Vaughan during winter?

During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 22.7° above the horizon at solar noon in Vaughan. This creates shadows that are 2.4x the height of objects.

3

When is the best time for outdoor activities in Vaughan?

April through September offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Northern Hemisphere.

4

How do I plan a garden in Vaughan for maximum sunlight?

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

5

What time is golden hour in Vaughan?

In March, golden hour in Vaughan occurs in the morning from 07:33 - 08:33 and in the evening from 18:21 - 19:21. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.

6

What is the UV index in Vaughan?

The UV index in Vaughan varies by season. During summer, UV can reach 11 (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 Vaughan?

Vaughan receives approximately 1,989 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 44° tilt angle.

8

When is sunrise and sunset in Vaughan?

In March, sunrise in Vaughan is around 07:33 and sunset is around 19:21, giving 11.8 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (05:39) and latest sunset follows shortly after.

9

What is the best month to visit Vaughan for weather?

For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in Vaughan, 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.

10

How long are shadows in Vaughan?

Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Vaughan. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.4x the height of objects (sun at 70°). In winter, shadows extend to 2.4x object height (sun at just 23°).