Since the turn of the century there has been little change in the average daily sunshine hours in the United Kingdom. In 2023, an average of 4.3 daily sun hours was recorded. The lowest amount of daily sunlight during the period in consideration occurred in 2012, at just four hours, while 2003 and 2022 saw some of the highest values, with 4.9 hours of daily sunlight.
Summer sun
Unsurprisingly it is the spring and summer months that receive the most daily sunshine hours. The longest duration was recorded in 2020, when the average daily sunshine in the second quarter reached 7.9 hours. In 2023, the second quarter of the year had an average of seven daily sun hours. In comparison, that same year's first and fourth quarters recorded just 2.7 and 2.1 hours of daily sunshine, respectively.
Historical sunshine
In 1930, the average annual sunshine hours amounted to 1,290 hours. Sunlight has traditionally been recorded using a Campbell-Stokes sunshine recorder, which was developed in the late 19th century. However, measurements from this instrument can overestimate sunshine duration. Whilst still often used at non automated climate stations, more accurate modern sunshine sensors are in use these days at automated stations.
Average annual number of daily sun hours in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2001 to 2023
(in hours per day)
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GOV.UK. (January 25, 2024). Average annual number of daily sun hours in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2001 to 2023 (in hours per day) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/322575/average-daily-sun-hours-in-the-united-kingdom-uk/
GOV.UK. "Average annual number of daily sun hours in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2001 to 2023 (in hours per day)." Chart. January 25, 2024. Statista. Accessed October 10, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/322575/average-daily-sun-hours-in-the-united-kingdom-uk/
GOV.UK. (2024). Average annual number of daily sun hours in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2001 to 2023 (in hours per day). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: October 10, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/322575/average-daily-sun-hours-in-the-united-kingdom-uk/
GOV.UK. "Average Annual Number of Daily Sun Hours in The United Kingdom (Uk) from 2001 to 2023 (in Hours per Day)." Statista, Statista Inc., 25 Jan 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/322575/average-daily-sun-hours-in-the-united-kingdom-uk/
GOV.UK, Average annual number of daily sun hours in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2001 to 2023 (in hours per day) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/322575/average-daily-sun-hours-in-the-united-kingdom-uk/ (last visited October 10, 2024)
Average annual number of daily sun hours in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2001 to 2023 (in hours per day) [Graph], GOV.UK, January 25, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/322575/average-daily-sun-hours-in-the-united-kingdom-uk/