How balcony direction affects sunlight
Understand east, west, north and south-facing balconies without oversimplifying your location.
A balcony’s direction describes the bearing outward from the building. It is measured clockwise from true north: north 0°, east 90°, south 180° and west 270°. Stand facing outward through the opening to estimate yours. A phone compass may report magnetic north, so check its settings before treating it as a true-north measurement.
Morning and afternoon
East-facing openings generally align with morning sunlight; west-facing ones generally align with afternoon sunlight. The exact intervals depend on latitude, date and the opening’s orientation. A southeast-facing opening has a different daily pattern from a northeast-facing one.
North and south need context
At many northern temperate locations, south-facing openings align with midday sun and are useful for lower winter sunlight. North-facing openings can still receive early or late summer sun when the sun rises northeast and sets northwest. In southern temperate locations, north-facing openings often align with midday sun. Near the equator, the sun moves between the northern and southern sky during the year.
Use your own space
Select your location and its time zone, enter the outward bearing, then compare winter and summer. A tall building, tree or balcony roof can remove much of the geometric potential. Check the space in person before using an estimate for a rental decision or plant placement.