Vitamin D

Madrid

Vitamin D from the sun in Madrid

9 months of sun

In Madrid you can synthesize vitamin D from February to October.

From November to January synthesis isn't possible — this is when a supplement can help.

Exact window
February 11 – November 5

Madrid: we'll tell you the days you can make vitamin D.

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Today's sun in Madrid

Today's sunrise, sunset, golden hour and day length.

Year-round profile in Madrid

Daily hours with enough sun to synthesize vitamin D across the year.

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0 h10 h+
Daily hours with enough sun to synthesize vitamin D across the year.

Seasonal windows

  • March: between 11:00 and 17:00, about 10 min for 1000 IU.
  • June: between 10:00 and 18:00, about 6 min for 1000 IU.
  • September: between 11:00 and 17:00, about 9 min for 1000 IU.
  • December: synthesis isn't possible.

Estimated for Fitzpatrick type III skin, arms and face exposed, clear sky.

When to supplement in Madrid

During the months without solar synthesis, vitamin D comes only from food or a supplement. It is usually taken as D3, often with magnesium — which the body needs to activate it — and vitamin K (as K2), which contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.

More about supplements

Sunrise and sunset by month in Madrid

How sunrise, sunset and day length change over the year.

MonthSunriseSunset
08:3718:12
08:1118:48
07:3019:19
07:3820:52
06:5921:23
06:4421:46
06:5721:44
07:2621:12
07:5720:21
08:2919:31
08:0417:56
08:3217:50

Approximate values for mid-month (the 15th).

Frequently asked questions about vitamin D in Madrid

Can I get vitamin D from the sun in winter in Madrid?
In Madrid you can synthesize vitamin D from February to October.
How many minutes of sun do I need in Madrid?
In summer, about 10 minutes with arms and face exposed is enough for 1000 IU (Fitzpatrick type III skin, clear sky).
What time does the sun rise and set in Madrid?
It shifts with the seasons: in June the sun rises around 06:44 and sets around 21:46; in December it rises around 08:32 and sets around 17:50.
What is the longest day of the year in Madrid?
Longest day: June, with about 15 h of daylight. Shortest day: December, with about 9 h.
When is golden hour in Madrid?
It's roughly the last hour before sunset: in June it starts around 21:05 and in December around 17:06.

More about the sun, light and health in the guide