Sunlight Hours in Wellington
Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Wellington, New Zealand
Interactive 3D Shadow Map
Summer afternoon in Wellington
Wellington
3:30 PM • Summer Solstice
Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of Wellington. 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
07:21
Sunset
19:37
Total Daylight
12h 14m
Sun Altitude
50°
at noon
Seasonal Extremes
Longest Day
15.0h
2026-12-21
Shortest Day
9.1h
2026-06-21
Explore Shadows in 3D
See exactly how building shadows fall across Wellington at any time of day or year.
-41.2866°
174.7756°
Best Time to Visit Wellington
Month-by-month daylight conditions
Wellington has moderate seasonal variation (6.0h 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
14.6h
Excellent
Summer
Feb
13.5h
Excellent
Autumn
Mar
12.2h
Great
Autumn
Apr
10.8h
Good
Autumn
May
9.7h
Fair
Winter
Jun
9.2h
Fair
Winter
Jul
9.4h
Fair
Winter
Aug
10.4h
Good
Spring
Sep
11.8h
Great
Spring
Oct
13.1h
Excellent
Spring
Nov
14.3h
Excellent
Summer
Dec
14.9h
Excellent
Golden Hour in Wellington
Best times for photography
March Golden Hour
07:21 - 08:21
Blue hour from 06:51
18:37 - 19:37
Blue hour until 20:07
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 Wellington's Sunlight
AI-powered insights for your location
Wellington's mid-latitude location (41.3°S) creates moderate seasonal variation, with winter days 6.0 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 72° at summer noon but only 25° in winter.
Key Challenges
- 1Low winter sun angle (25°) affects north-facing properties
- 2Winter shadows extend 2.1x object height
- 3Consider local weather patterns that may affect sunshine
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 Wellington. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
Solar Energy Potential
Is Wellington good for solar panels?
With approximately 1,971 annual sun hours, Wellington has good solar potential. A well-designed system can significantly reduce electricity costs.
Annual Sun Hours
1,971
estimated
Optimal Panel Tilt
41°
facing north
Peak Production
Dec, Jan, Nov
highest output
Relative Monthly Production
Installation Tips for Wellington
- Orient panels north with a 41° 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 (56°), flatter in summer (26°)
UV Index & Sun Safety
Protect yourself in Wellington
March UV Index
Extra protection needed. Avoid midday sun if possible.
Monthly UV Index
Peak UV Months
Dec, Jan, Feb have the highest UV levels (up to 12). 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 Wellington
Best times for popular activities
Best Activities in March
Outdoor Dining
56% match
Hiking & Walking
56% match
Photography
56% 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 | 06:09 | 20:50 | 14h 36m | 69° |
☀️February | 06:48 | 20:20 | 13h 32m | 61° |
March | 07:21 | 19:37 | 12h 14m | 50° |
April | 06:54 | 17:46 | 10h 51m | 39° |
May | 07:26 | 17:07 | 9h 43m | 30° |
June | 07:48 | 16:54 | 9h 10m | 26° |
July | 07:45 | 17:08 | 9h 26m | 28° |
August | 07:13 | 17:37 | 10h 26m | 35° |
September | 06:24 | 18:08 | 11h 45m | 46° |
October | 06:34 | 19:39 | 13h 7m | 58° |
November | 05:55 | 20:16 | 14h 20m | 67° |
☀️December | 05:45 | 20:47 | 14h 56m | 71° |
Summer Solstice
15.0h daylight
Winter Solstice
9.1h daylight
Explore Nearby Cities
Sunlight data for surrounding areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Sunlight in Wellington
1How many hours of sunlight does Wellington get?
How many hours of sunlight does Wellington get?
Wellington receives an average of 12 hours of daylight per day. This varies throughout the year, from 9.1 hours on the shortest day to 15.0 hours on the longest day.
2What is the sun angle in Wellington during winter?
What is the sun angle in Wellington during winter?
During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 25.3° above the horizon at solar noon in Wellington. This creates shadows that are 2.1x the height of objects.
3When is the best time for outdoor activities in Wellington?
When is the best time for outdoor activities in Wellington?
October through March offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Southern Hemisphere.
4How do I plan a garden in Wellington for maximum sunlight?
How do I plan a garden in Wellington for maximum sunlight?
North-facing gardens receive the most consistent sunlight year-round in Wellington. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
5What time is golden hour in Wellington?
What time is golden hour in Wellington?
In March, golden hour in Wellington occurs in the morning from 07:21 - 08:21 and in the evening from 18:37 - 19:37. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.
6What is the UV index in Wellington?
What is the UV index in Wellington?
The UV index in Wellington varies by season. During summer, UV can reach 12 (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 Wellington?
Are solar panels worth it in Wellington?
Wellington receives approximately 1,971 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 41° tilt angle.
8When is sunrise and sunset in Wellington?
When is sunrise and sunset in Wellington?
In March, sunrise in Wellington is around 07:21 and sunset is around 19:37, giving 12.2 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (05:47) and latest sunset follows shortly after.
9What is the best month to visit Wellington for weather?
What is the best month to visit Wellington for weather?
For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in Wellington, 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 Wellington?
How long are shadows in Wellington?
Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Wellington. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.3x the height of objects (sun at 72°). In winter, shadows extend to 2.1x object height (sun at just 25°).