How Much Sun Does Your Balcony Really Get?
How to measure the sunlight your balcony gets, what full sun and partial shade mean, and which balcony directions get the most light.
“Full sun” on a plant label assumes an open garden. A balcony is boxed in by walls, railings and the building next door, so the honest answer is usually “less than you think” — here’s how to measure it properly.
What the light terms mean
- Full sun
Six or more hours of direct sunlight a day. Needed for tomatoes, peppers, aubergines and most fruiting crops.
- Partial sun / partial shade
Roughly three to six hours of direct sun, often morning or late afternoon. Suits leafy crops, many herbs, and root vegetables.
- Full shade
Under three hours of direct sun, or bright indirect light only. Salad leaves, mint, parsley and chervil still do well here.
Measure it in one day
Pick a clear day
Cloud makes it impossible to judge. Choose a bright day, and preferably one close to the longest day of the year so you see the balcony’s best case.
Check every hour
From early morning to evening, note whether direct sun is actually landing on the growing area. A quick phone photo each hour builds the picture.
Add up the sunny hours
Total only the hours with direct sun on the balcony. That number is your light budget for choosing plants.
Note where the sun falls
The sunny strip is often just along the railing. Plan to put fruiting crops there and leafy crops behind them.
Balcony direction and light (northern hemisphere)
| Balcony faces | Typical direct sun | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| South | 6–8 hrs | Tomatoes, chillies, most herbs |
| East | 3–5 hrs (morning) | Salad, herbs, leafy greens |
| West | 3–5 hrs (afternoon) | Herbs, chard, beans |
| North | 0–2 hrs | Salad leaves, mint, parsley, ferns |
New to all of this? Start with the beginner’s guide to starting a balcony garden.
Frequently asked questions
Does bright shade count as sun?
No. Plants respond to direct sunlight. A balcony can feel bright all day from reflected light and still count as shade for growing purposes.
Can a glass balustrade increase my light?
Slightly, because it blocks less than a solid rail, but it doesn't add direct sun hours. The building's orientation and what's opposite matter far more.
My balcony only gets morning sun — is that enough?
Three to four hours of morning sun is enough for salad leaves, most herbs, radishes and chard. Fruiting crops like tomatoes will struggle.