calculate sun azimuth

What is sun azimuth?

Sun azimuth is the compass direction of the sun measured in degrees clockwise from true north. In this system, north is 0°, east is 90°, south is 180°, and west is 270°. If the calculator returns 135°, the sun is in the southeast; if it returns 250°, the sun is in the west-southwest.

This angle is one of the two core values used to describe solar position. The other is solar elevation (how high the sun is above the horizon). Together, azimuth and elevation make it easy to point solar panels, set camera angles, plan shading, and evaluate daylight conditions.

How this calculator works

The tool uses a standard solar-position method based on astronomical time and Earth-Sun geometry. It computes the sun’s declination and the equation of time for the selected moment, then derives the local hour angle and converts that into azimuth.

Inputs used

• Latitude: Your north/south position on Earth.
• Longitude: Your east/west position and local solar time shift.
• Date and time: The local timestamp you want to evaluate.
• UTC offset: Time zone offset from UTC, including daylight-saving adjustment if applicable.

Output values include azimuth, compass direction, solar elevation, declination, and equation of time so you can verify the full context of the result.

Why calculating sun azimuth matters

1) Solar energy design

Accurate azimuth estimates help determine when and where sunlight strikes rooftops and façades. This supports panel orientation, row spacing, and production forecasting.

2) Architecture and shading

Designers use sun angles to model glare, overheating, and shadow lengths across seasons. Azimuth predictions are useful for overhang design, window placement, and passive cooling.

3) Photography and cinematography

Knowing the sun’s bearing helps plan backlighting, golden-hour framing, and shadow direction. If you need side-light from the west at a specific time, azimuth provides a precise target.

4) Fieldwork and navigation

Surveyors, outdoor educators, and researchers often use sun direction as a reference. Even with GPS tools available, azimuth knowledge is a helpful backup and planning aid.

Interpreting results correctly

• Azimuth is a horizontal angle. It tells direction, not height.
• Elevation below 0° means the sun is below the horizon (night/twilight conditions).
• True north vs magnetic north: Azimuth here is referenced to true north.
• Time zone mistakes are common: A wrong UTC offset can shift azimuth significantly.

Tips for better accuracy

• Use precise coordinates (at least 4–6 decimal places if possible).
• Double-check daylight-saving time for the selected date.
• Use exact local time for short-interval planning.
• Remember terrain and buildings can block direct sunlight even when the sun is above the horizon.

Quick reference: azimuth compass map

• 0° / 360°: North
• 45°: Northeast
• 90°: East
• 135°: Southeast
• 180°: South
• 225°: Southwest
• 270°: West
• 315°: Northwest

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same as solar noon direction?

Not always. Solar noon is only one instant per day. At that time the sun is usually near due south in the northern hemisphere and near due north in the southern hemisphere, but exact values vary by location and season.

Can I use this for any country?

Yes. Enter latitude, longitude, local date/time, and correct UTC offset for the region.

What if my result seems wrong?

First check longitude sign (west should be negative), then verify date/time and UTC offset. Those are the most common sources of error.

Bottom line

If you need a fast and reliable way to calculate sun azimuth, this page gives you a practical tool plus the context to use it well. Whether you are optimizing solar panels, planning an outdoor shoot, or modeling building shade, azimuth is a foundational number worth understanding.