Sunlight Hours in Yaoundé
Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Yaoundé, CM
Interactive 3D Shadow Map
Summer afternoon in Yaoundé
Yaoundé
3:30 PM • Summer Solstice
Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of Yaoundé. 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
06:10
Sunset
18:17
Total Daylight
12h 7m
Sun Altitude
84°
at noon
Seasonal Extremes
Longest Day
12.3h
2026-06-21
Shortest Day
11.8h
2026-12-21
Explore Shadows in 3D
See exactly how building shadows fall across Yaoundé at any time of day or year.
3.8667°
11.5167°
Best Time to Visit Yaoundé
Month-by-month daylight conditions
Yaoundé 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
11.8h
Great
Winter
Feb
11.9h
Great
Spring
Mar
12.0h
Great
Spring
Apr
12.1h
Great
Spring
May
12.2h
Great
Summer
Jun
12.3h
Great
Summer
Jul
12.2h
Great
Summer
Aug
12.2h
Great
Autumn
Sep
12.1h
Great
Autumn
Oct
12.0h
Great
Autumn
Nov
11.9h
Great
Winter
Dec
11.8h
Great
Golden Hour in Yaoundé
Best times for photography
April Golden Hour
06:10 - 07:10
Blue hour from 05:40
17:17 - 18:17
Blue hour until 18:47
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 Yaoundé's Sunlight
AI-powered insights for your location
Yaoundé's tropical location (3.9°N) creates minimal seasonal variation, with winter days 0.4 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 70° at summer noon but only 63° 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 Yaoundé. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
Solar Energy Potential
Is Yaoundé good for solar panels?
Yaoundé receives approximately 2,417 hours of sunshine annually, making it an excellent location for solar energy. Most residential installations achieve payback within 5-7 years.
Annual Sun Hours
2,417
estimated
Optimal Panel Tilt
4°
facing south
Peak Production
Sep, Mar, Apr
highest output
Relative Monthly Production
Installation Tips for Yaoundé
- Orient panels south with a 4° 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 (19°), flatter in summer (10°)
UV Index & Sun Safety
Protect yourself in Yaoundé
April UV Index
Maximum protection essential. Avoid outdoor activities during peak hours.
Monthly UV Index
Peak UV Months
Mar, Apr, Aug have the highest UV levels (up to 15). 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 Yaoundé
Best times for popular activities
Best Activities in April
Outdoor Dining
56% match
Hiking & Walking
56% match
Beach & Swimming
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 | 06:28 | 18:18 | 11h 51m | 66° |
February | 06:30 | 18:25 | 11h 55m | 74° |
March | 06:22 | 18:23 | 12h 1m | 84° |
April | 06:10 | 18:17 | 12h 7m | 84° |
May | 06:03 | 18:16 | 12h 13m | 75° |
☀️June | 06:06 | 18:22 | 12h 16m | 71° |
☀️July | 06:12 | 18:27 | 12h 14m | 73° |
☀️August | 06:13 | 18:23 | 12h 10m | 80° |
September | 06:07 | 18:10 | 12h 4m | 86° |
October | 06:01 | 17:58 | 11h 58m | 77° |
November | 06:02 | 17:54 | 11h 52m | 68° |
December | 06:14 | 18:03 | 11h 49m | 63° |
Summer Solstice
12.3h daylight
Winter Solstice
11.8h daylight
Frequently Asked Questions
Sunlight in Yaoundé
1How many hours of sunlight does Yaoundé get?
How many hours of sunlight does Yaoundé get?
Yaoundé receives an average of 12 hours of daylight per day. This varies throughout the year, from 11.8 hours on the shortest day to 12.3 hours on the longest day.
2What is the sun angle in Yaoundé during winter?
What is the sun angle in Yaoundé during winter?
During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 62.7° above the horizon at solar noon in Yaoundé. This creates shadows that are 0.5x the height of objects.
3When is the best time for outdoor activities in Yaoundé?
When is the best time for outdoor activities in Yaoundé?
April through September offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Northern Hemisphere.
4How do I plan a garden in Yaoundé for maximum sunlight?
How do I plan a garden in Yaoundé for maximum sunlight?
South-facing gardens receive the most consistent sunlight year-round in Yaoundé. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
5What time is golden hour in Yaoundé?
What time is golden hour in Yaoundé?
In April, golden hour in Yaoundé occurs in the morning from 06:10 - 07:10 and in the evening from 17:17 - 18:17. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.
6What is the UV index in Yaoundé?
What is the UV index in Yaoundé?
The UV index in Yaoundé 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 Yaoundé?
Are solar panels worth it in Yaoundé?
Yaoundé receives approximately 2,417 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 4° tilt angle.
8When is sunrise and sunset in Yaoundé?
When is sunrise and sunset in Yaoundé?
In April, sunrise in Yaoundé is around 06:10 and sunset is around 18:17, giving 12.1 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (06:07) and latest sunset follows shortly after.
9What is the best month to visit Yaoundé for weather?
What is the best month to visit Yaoundé for weather?
For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in Yaoundé, 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 Yaoundé?
How long are shadows in Yaoundé?
Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Yaoundé. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.4x the height of objects (sun at 70°). In winter, shadows extend to 0.5x object height (sun at just 63°).