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Spring is here, bringing warmer temperatures, blooming flowers, and longer days. But have you ever wondered how much daylight your location actually gains between the spring equinox and the summer solstice? Thanks to NOAA’s solar calculator, we can see just how much extra sunshine different parts of the U.S. receive as the seasons shift.
The Science Behind Daylight Gain
The amount of daylight we experience each day isn’t just about the time of year—it’s about location. As the Sun’s path moves northward in the sky, regions farther from the equator see a greater increase in daylight hours compared to those closer to it. This is why places like Seattle or Minneapolis gain much more daylight in spring than Miami.
By the time we reach the summer solstice in June, daylight hours peak, marking the longest day of the year before the Sun begins its southward shift.
Daylight Gain Across the U.S.
The map below, created by Jacque Schrag, visualizes NOAA data showing how much daylight different parts of the U.S. gain between March 20 and June 20, 2025.
From the map, you can see that:
Northern states like Washington, Montana, and Minnesota gain over four hours of daylight.
The Midwest and Northeast see increases of around 3 to 3.5 hours.
Southern states, including Texas, Florida, and parts of California, gain closer to 2 to 2.5 hours.
The reason for this variation is the angle of the Earth’s axis and the way sunlight reaches different latitudes. Areas at higher latitudes experience more dramatic seasonal changes, while places near the equator have nearly consistent day lengths year-round.
The Impact of Longer Days
The extra daylight isn’t just a clock change—it shapes our daily lives. In northern states, spring brings a dramatic shift from the short, dim days of winter to long, lingering evenings. Many people naturally wake up earlier, and outdoor life flourishes. Restaurants extend patio hours, kids stay outside playing later, and even wildlife adjusts—birds time their migrations, and plants speed up their growth cycles in response to the changing light.
More daylight can also mean energy savings, as homes rely less on artificial lighting in the evenings. However, it’s not all positive—early sunrises can make it harder for some people to sleep, and the shift in daylight patterns can subtly affect our internal body clocks.
As we approach the summer solstice, enjoy the extra hours of sunshine while they last—because after June 20, the days slowly start shrinking again.
Have you noticed the change in daylight where you live? Do you find yourself staying out later without realizing it? Share your thoughts in the comments!
