Solar & Daylight Data
Sun Path & Solar Angles for San Diego, CA
Calculated solar-noon angles and a first-pass fixed-shading worksheet for San Diego, CA, using transparent solar geometry rather than an unexplained chart.
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Last updated August 17, 2026 · Original calculation using latitude 32.7157° 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.
Direct answer
Calculated solar-noon angles and a first-pass fixed-shading worksheet for San Diego, CA, using transparent solar geometry rather than an unexplained chart. A key reference is latitude: 32.7157° N; check the cited source, edition, units, and applicability before using it for design, compliance, procurement, or approval. Latitude is 32.7157° N; San Diego, CA. June solstice noon is 80.7°; south at solar noon. Equinox noon is 57.3°; geometric solar noon. 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. Read the values with the cited source, edition or observation period, units and applicability; replace illustrative inputs with current project evidence before design, procurement or approval use.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-08-17 · Updated 2026-08-17.
Calculated solar-noon geometry
| Date | Declination | Altitude | Projection / vertical shade distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| June solstice | +23.44° | 80.72° | 0.163 |
| Equinox | 0° | 57.28° | 0.642 |
| December solstice | -23.44° | 33.84° | 1.491 |
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.
San Diego, CA shading record
Record facade azimuth, window head and sill, overhang height, required shaded dates and hours, coordinates (32.7157° 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.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all solar data guidance
- Understanding Sun-Path Diagrams
- Solar Altitude and Azimuth Explained
- Climate Design Data Workflow for San Diego, CA
Sources and method
Original calculation using latitude 32.7157° 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.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the sun angle in San Diego, CA at the summer solstice?
The declination-only solar-noon altitude is approximately 80.7°. 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.
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