Sun Path & Solar Angles for New York, NY

Sun-path design data for New York, NY: solstice and equinox solar-noon altitude, shadow ratios, assumptions, and an architect-oriented shading worksheet.

Sun Path & Solar Angles for New York, NY

Direct answer

Calculated solar-noon angles and a first-pass fixed-shading worksheet for New York, NY, using transparent solar geometry rather than an unexplained chart.

Key facts

MetricValueNotes
Latitude40.7128° NNew York, NY
June solstice noon72.7°south at solar noon
Equinox noon49.3°geometric solar noon
December solstice noon25.8°geometric solar noon

Calculated solar-noon geometry

DateDeclinationAltitudeProjection / vertical shade distance
June solstice+23.44°72.73°0.311
Equinox49.29°0.861
December solstice-23.44°25.85°2.064

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.

New York, NY shading record

Record facade azimuth, window head and sill, overhang height, required shaded dates and hours, coordinates (40.7128° N), time zone (America/New_York), 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 New York, NY at the summer solstice?

The declination-only solar-noon altitude is approximately 72.7°. 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.


Source & method: Original calculation using latitude 40.7128° N and declinations +23.44°, 0°, and -23.44°. Formula: altitude = 90° - |latitude - declination|. Time zone: America/New_York. Verify occupied-hour positions with the NOAA Solar Calculator; values omit refraction, equation of time, terrain, obstructions, and facade azimuth.