Annual sunshine hours refer to the total number of hours in a year during which the sun is visible and able to provide sunlight. It is a measure of the amount of sunshine received in a particular location or region.
The distribution of annual sunshine hours varies significantly around the world due to factors such as latitude, climate patterns, topography, and weather systems. Generally, regions closer to the equator tend to receive more sunshine hours, while higher latitudes experience fewer sunshine hours.
The map below shows annual sunshine hours of the world.
The following areas have the highest annual sunshine according to the map.
Sahara Desert: The Sahara Desert in Africa receives one of the highest amounts of sunshine hours in the world, with an average of over 4,000 hours per year. This vast desert region is characterized by its dry and arid climate.
Middle East: Countries in the Middle East, such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar, also experience high annual sunshine hours, often exceeding 3,000 hours per year. These regions are known for their hot and desert-like climates.
Southwest United States: States like Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico in the southwestern part of the United States receive abundant sunshine, averaging around 3,000 hours per year. This is due to the arid and semi-arid climate prevalent in the region.
Australia: Large parts of Australia receive high annual sunshine hours, particularly in the central and western regions. Locations like Alice Springs and Darwin often record over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year.
The most sunny cities in the world by annual sunshine hours are:
Yuma (United States) – 4015
Marsa Alam (Egypt) – 3958
Dakhla Oasis (Egypt) – 3943
Phoenix (United States) – 3872
Keetmanshoop (Namibia) – 3870
Las Vegas (United States) – 3825
Tucson (United States) – 3806
Kharga (Egypt) – 3791
El Paso (United States) – 3763
Khartoum (Sudan) – 3737
On the other hand, areas with lower annual sunshine hours include:
Northern Europe: Countries in Northern Europe, such as Norway, Sweden, and Finland, experience fewer sunshine hours due to their high latitudes and extended periods of darkness during winter. Some locations in this region may have less than 1,000 hours of sunshine annually.
Pacific Northwest, USA: The Pacific Northwest, including cities like Seattle and Portland, receives a relatively lower number of sunshine hours, ranging from 1,600 to 2,000 hours per year. The region is known for its cloudy and rainy weather.
United Kingdom: The United Kingdom has relatively low annual sunshine hours, averaging around 1,400 hours per year. The weather in the UK is often characterized by cloud cover and frequent rainfall.
The least sunny cities in the world by annual sunshine hours are:
Totoró (Colombia) – 637.0
Tórshavn (Faroe Islands) – 840.0
Chongqing (China) – 954.8
Dikson (Russia) – 1,164.3
Malabo (Equatorial Guinea) – 1,176.7
Buenaventura (Colombia) – 1178.0
Lima (Peru) – 1230.0
Ushuaia (Argentina) – 1281.2
Reykjavik (Iceland) – 1326.0
Bogotá (Colombia) – 1328.0
How do the global average sunshine hours vary throughout the year?
The global average sunshine hours vary throughout the year due to several factors, including the tilt of the Earth’s axis, the Earth’s orbit around the Sun, and the distribution of landmasses and oceans. Here’s a general overview of how the global average sunshine hours vary throughout the year:
Northern Hemisphere: In the Northern Hemisphere, the longest day of the year occurs around June 21st, known as the summer solstice. During this time, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, resulting in longer days and more sunshine hours. As the year progresses, the days gradually become shorter, reaching their shortest length around December 21st, known as the winter solstice. Consequently, the Northern Hemisphere experiences fewer sunshine hours during this period.
Southern Hemisphere: The Southern Hemisphere experiences the opposite pattern. The longest day of the year in the Southern Hemisphere occurs around December 21st, during the summer solstice, when the Southern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun. This leads to longer days and more sunshine hours. Conversely, the shortest day of the year in the Southern Hemisphere occurs around June 21st, during the winter solstice, resulting in fewer sunshine hours.
Equator: Near the equator, there is relatively less variation in sunshine hours throughout the year compared to the polar regions. This is because the equator receives a relatively consistent amount of sunlight throughout the year due to its proximity to the Sun. However, even at the equator, there can be some variations in sunshine hours due to local weather patterns and other factors.
It’s important to note that these variations in global average sunshine hours are general trends and can vary based on local conditions. Additionally, the distribution of landmasses and ocean currents can affect regional weather patterns and cloud cover, which can further influence sunshine hours at specific locations.
The animated map below shows how the global average sunshine hours vary throughout the year based on local conditions.
