Sun Path & Solar Angles for Las Vegas, NV
Sun-path design data for Las Vegas, NV: solstice and equinox solar-noon altitude, shadow ratios, assumptions, and an architect-oriented shading worksheet.
Sun Path & Solar Angles for Las Vegas, NV
Direct answer
Calculated solar-noon angles and a first-pass fixed-shading worksheet for Las Vegas, NV, using transparent solar geometry rather than an unexplained chart.
Key facts
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Latitude | 36.1699° N | Las Vegas, NV |
| June solstice noon | 77.3° | south at solar noon |
| Equinox noon | 53.8° | geometric solar noon |
| December solstice noon | 30.4° | geometric solar noon |
Calculated solar-noon geometry
| Date | Declination | Altitude | Projection / vertical shade distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| June solstice | +23.44° | 77.27° | 0.226 |
| Equinox | 0° | 53.83° | 0.731 |
| December solstice | -23.44° | 30.39° | 1.705 |
Projection ratio = 1 / tan(solar altitude). Multiply the ratio by the vertical distance the noon shadow must cover. Use this only as a hand check before a full-year study.
Las Vegas, NV shading record
Record facade azimuth, window head and sill, overhang height, required shaded dates and hours, coordinates (36.1699° N), time zone (America/Los_Angeles), calculation method, surrounding obstructions, reviewer and date. Compare the full model against the three noon ratios above and retain screenshots of the critical summer and shoulder-season hours. Verify hourly positions with the NOAA Solar Calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sun angle in Las Vegas, NV at the summer solstice?
The declination-only solar-noon altitude is approximately 77.3°. This is a transparent geometry check, not a substitute for an hourly solar-position calculation.
Can this size a final overhang?
No. Final shading must test occupied hours, facade azimuth, glass geometry, local horizon, adjacent buildings, terrain, daylight and thermal performance.
Related
Source & method: Original calculation using latitude 36.1699° N and declinations +23.44°, 0°, and -23.44°. Formula: altitude = 90° - |latitude - declination|. Time zone: America/Los_Angeles. Verify occupied-hour positions with the NOAA Solar Calculator; values omit refraction, equation of time, terrain, obstructions, and facade azimuth.