Sunlight Hours in Zürich
Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Zürich, Switzerland
Interactive 3D Shadow Map
Summer afternoon in Zürich
Zürich
3:30 PM • Summer Solstice
Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of Zürich. 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
06:41
Sunset
20:11
Total Daylight
13h 30m
Sun Altitude
52°
at noon
Seasonal Extremes
Longest Day
15.8h
2026-06-21
Shortest Day
8.3h
2026-12-21
Explore Shadows in 3D
See exactly how building shadows fall across Zürich at any time of day or year.
47.3667°
8.5500°
Best Time to Visit Zürich
Month-by-month daylight conditions
Zürich experiences significant seasonal variation with 15.8h of daylight in summer vs 8.3h in winter. Plan outdoor activities for late spring through early autumn.
Peak Months
Jun, Jul, May, Aug
Shoulder Season
Apr & Sep
Winter
Jan
8.9h
Limited
Winter
Feb
10.2h
Fair
Spring
Mar
11.8h
Good
Spring
Apr
13.5h
Excellent
Spring
May
14.9h
Excellent
Summer
Jun
15.7h
Excellent
Summer
Jul
15.3h
Excellent
Summer
Aug
14.1h
Excellent
Autumn
Sep
12.4h
Great
Autumn
Oct
10.8h
Good
Autumn
Nov
9.3h
Fair
Winter
Dec
8.4h
Limited
Golden Hour in Zürich
Best times for photography
April Golden Hour
06:41 - 07:41
Blue hour from 06:11
19:11 - 20:11
Blue hour until 20:41
Best Months
- 1May-Jun — Long golden hours, lush landscapes
- 2Sep-Oct — Warm light + fall foliage
- 3Dec — Low sun angle all day
Photography Tips
- Summer golden hours are longer and more gradual than in tropical locations
- Autumn and spring offer the most balanced lighting conditions
- Face south during midday for even lighting on subjects
- Check the 3D shadow map to scout locations and predict light direction
Understanding Zürich's Sunlight
AI-powered insights for your location
Zürich's high-latitude location (47.4°N) creates significant seasonal variation, with winter days 7.5 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 66° at summer noon but only 19° in winter.
Key Challenges
- 1Very low winter sun angle (19°) creates long shadows
- 2Winter shadows extend 2.9x object height
- 3Large daylight variation (7.5h) between seasons
- 4Short winter days (8.3h) 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 Zürich. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
Solar Energy Potential
Is Zürich good for solar panels?
With approximately 1,681 annual sun hours, Zürich has good solar potential. A well-designed system can significantly reduce electricity costs.
Annual Sun Hours
1,681
estimated
Optimal Panel Tilt
47°
facing south
Peak Production
Jun, Jul, May
highest output
Relative Monthly Production
Installation Tips for Zürich
- Orient panels south with a 47° 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 (62°), flatter in summer (32°)
UV Index & Sun Safety
Protect yourself in Zürich
April UV Index
Extra protection needed. Avoid midday sun if possible.
Monthly UV Index
Peak UV Months
Jun, Jul, May 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 Zürich
Best times for popular activities
Best Activities in April
Outdoor Dining
64% match
Hiking & Walking
64% match
Photography
64% 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 | 08:12 | 16:58 | 8h 52m | 22° |
February | 07:34 | 17:45 | 10h 11m | 30° |
March | 06:42 | 18:27 | 11h 48m | 41° |
April | 06:41 | 20:11 | 13h 30m | 52° |
May | 05:53 | 20:51 | 14h 57m | 61° |
☀️June | 05:32 | 21:20 | 15h 42m | 66° |
☀️July | 05:48 | 21:14 | 15h 20m | 64° |
☀️August | 06:25 | 20:34 | 14h 5m | 56° |
September | 07:06 | 19:34 | 12h 27m | 45° |
October | 07:47 | 18:34 | 10h 46m | 34° |
November | 07:33 | 16:46 | 9h 15m | 24° |
December | 08:10 | 16:31 | 8h 27m | 20° |
Summer Solstice
15.8h daylight
Winter Solstice
8.3h daylight
Frequently Asked Questions
Sunlight in Zürich
1How many hours of sunlight does Zürich get?
How many hours of sunlight does Zürich get?
Zürich receives an average of 12.1 hours of daylight per day. This varies throughout the year, from 8.3 hours on the shortest day to 15.8 hours on the longest day.
2What is the sun angle in Zürich during winter?
What is the sun angle in Zürich during winter?
During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 19.2° above the horizon at solar noon in Zürich. This creates shadows that are 2.9x the height of objects.
3When is the best time for outdoor activities in Zürich?
When is the best time for outdoor activities in Zürich?
April through September offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Northern Hemisphere.
4How do I plan a garden in Zürich for maximum sunlight?
How do I plan a garden in Zürich for maximum sunlight?
South-facing gardens receive the most consistent sunlight year-round in Zürich. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
5What time is golden hour in Zürich?
What time is golden hour in Zürich?
In April, golden hour in Zürich occurs in the morning from 06:41 - 07:41 and in the evening from 19:11 - 20:11. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.
6What is the UV index in Zürich?
What is the UV index in Zürich?
The UV index in Zürich 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).
7Are solar panels worth it in Zürich?
Are solar panels worth it in Zürich?
Zürich receives approximately 1,681 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 47° tilt angle.
8When is sunrise and sunset in Zürich?
When is sunrise and sunset in Zürich?
In April, sunrise in Zürich is around 06:41 and sunset is around 20:11, giving 13.5 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (05:33) and latest sunset follows shortly after.
9What is the best month to visit Zürich for weather?
What is the best month to visit Zürich for weather?
For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in Zürich, 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 Zürich?
How long are shadows in Zürich?
Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Zürich. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.4x the height of objects (sun at 66°). In winter, shadows extend to 2.9x object height (sun at just 19°).