East for morning, west for afternoon?
An east-facing balcony has an opportunity for morning sun, while a west-facing one has an opportunity for afternoon sun. That simple rule works only when the relevant part of the sky is unobstructed. A nearby tower can remove the useful part of that window.
Outside the tropics in the Northern Hemisphere, south-facing balconies often have greater access to midday sun. North-facing balconies generally receive less direct sun, but can still receive early or late summer sun where their geometry allows it. In the Southern Hemisphere, reverse north and south. Near the equator, compare actual dates rather than relying on either rule.
Choose a balcony for your routine
- Breakfast: check your usual breakfast time, not simply sunrise. Nearby buildings may block the early sun.
- Lunch: check whether the sun reaches the usable floor area or only the railing.
- After work: use your actual arrival time and the local season. Sunset time alone says little about a sheltered balcony.
- Plants: observe the hours of direct sun at the pot's position, then choose plants suited to that exposure.
The balcony above can change everything
A deep slab or roof can block high summer sun even when the ground outside is sunny. Lower winter sun may pass underneath, unless another building blocks it first. Side walls, privacy screens and railings add their own shadows. For the geometry, read how balcony overhangs affect sunlight.
Do not treat a ground-level shadow map as a calculation for a balcony several floors up. Coffee in the Sun estimates shadows from mapped buildings; it does not model the exact balcony floor, ceiling, furniture or railings. Trees, awnings and terrain are not included. A map is useful for identifying nearby obstacles to check in person.
Make a simple observation log
On a clear day, note the date, local time and where direct sunlight falls at three or four points during the period you care about. Photograph the usable seating area from the same position. Record cloud cover so a cloudy interval is not mistaken for building shade. Repeat in another season if possible.
Use movable seating and removable shade to adapt an existing balcony, subject to building rules. Keep walkways clear and check suitability before attaching anything to a railing. The aim is a comfortable outdoor space, not the highest possible number of sun hours.
Read the map together with the building
Compare nearby building shadows at the relevant date and time, then inspect the balcony itself. If you are choosing a home, use the viewing checklist. The Australian government's orientation guide offers further context on climate and solar access.
