Time of average maximum temps in summer

[damianslaw]

I've noticed how on many occasions in the May-July period at least the highest temps of the day tend to occur quite late in the afternoon, indeed sometimes after 5pm. I used to think the warmest core period of the day was around 3pm. In the winter the warmest point of the day is about 1pm I think.

The strength of the sun has limited effect, given it is at its highest point at noon. 

If you think in hours, it sort of makes sense, mid point of 24 hour clock is 12 hours, and 12 hours after the sunrise is about 5pm.

 

[Ice Man 85]

For me its always warmest after 4pm. The sun also shines into the house during the evenings, heating the room up even more.

[CheesepuffScott]

I always notice it is warmest after 4 or 5pm - also my room feels considerably warmer on warm days after that time with the fact the sun is shining through the window (facing west)

[Fourty Point Three Degrees]

I think its to do with earth surface getting more time to absorb the heat for longer in summer than winter. During late afternoon the absorbed heat is radiated back out giving a warmer effect. So on a typical hot day at 6pm and its been a stifling 30C then the heat you feel is more likely coming from earth than the sun, plus if theres a warm airflow from the continent it will contribute.   

[cheese]

4-5pm seems to be a common time in summer - though sometimes even later. 

1 August 2013 stands out well - much of the day was cloudy but warm at 21C, and then the skies cleared and the temperature shot up to 31C at 6pm or so. 

In winter, it seems like the maximum temp can occur at any time of day - the strength of the sun is more or less negligible at that time of year.

Edited May 30, 2018 by cheese

[Stargazer]

I think it depends a bit on where you are in relation to your surroundings. Our garden faces east and we tend to get temperatures peaking relatively early in the day - in summer we tend to get a rapid rise in the morning and a peak around 2-3pm followed by a slow decline.