North-Facing Balcony Light Mapper

Track direct sunlight across different balcony positions. Compare your measurements before choosing where to place containers.

How to use this light log

Choose a balcony zone, observe the amount of direct sunlight it actually receives, and record the result. Repeat observations over several days, ideally at similar times.

North-facing does not always mean identical lighting across the whole balcony. Buildings, railings, reflected light and seasons can change actual growing conditions.

Record a sunlight observation

Observations are stored locally in this browser. Nothing entered here is submitted to the forum server.

Your balcony light comparison

Add observations to see your comparison.

Averages describe only your recorded observations. They do not predict year-round light or determine plant suitability by themselves.

Observation history

Date Zone Direct sun Indirect light Notes Action

Using your results

Compare the left, center and right zones before placing containers. Repeat your observations when the season changes or neighboring structures cast different shadows.

Direct sunshine and bright indirect light are not interchangeable measurements. Check the specific light requirements of each plant before making planting decisions.

Additional reading: University of Maryland Extension — balcony sunlight