Sun by season (New York)
| Season | Sunrise | Sunset | At camp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (June to July) | around 5:25, ENE about 58° | around 20:30, WNW about 302° | The east side heats up early |
| Spring and autumn (March, September) | around 6:45 to 7:00, nearly due east | around 18:50 to 19:10, nearly due west | Low morning and evening sun reaches deep under the tarp |
| Late autumn (November) | around 6:45, ESE about 114° | around 16:40, WSW about 246° | Early sunset, evenings cool fast |
Reading wind direction
A forecast’s wind direction is where the wind is coming from. A "northwesterly" blows from the north-west toward the south-east. Put your door on the side the wind comes from and it blows straight in.
| Forecast | Wind comes from | Point the door |
|---|---|---|
| North-west | NW (about 315°) | South-east |
| South | S (about 180°) | North |
| East | E (about 90°) | West |
Choosing a direction
- Summer: angle the door and tarp to block the sunset side (west to WNW). Choose a spot where trees shade the east face from the early sun.
- Spring and autumn: face the door east to south-east to catch morning sun and warm up a cold tent.
- Windy days: wind beats sun. Put the narrow end into the wind and the door on the lee side.
Checking on site
The Android app "Compass Camera" lets you check the direction before you stake out. Step away from the car before reading.
Make the sunset bearing your target
On the Sun and Moon card (one ad to unlock), tap today’s sunset bearing to make it the target. Turn until "Aligned" appears: that is where the sun goes down all afternoon, so pitch the tarp on that side.
Use the 8 direction buttons for wind
If the forecast says north-west, pick NW from the 8 direction buttons and tap "Opposite" to flip the target to south-east. That is where the door goes.
FAQ
Does it work without mobile data?
The bearing comes from the phone’s sensors and the sun and moon are calculated on the device from your chosen city. Neither needs a connection. It is easier to watch the one-time unlock ad at home before you go.
Is it different at a beach campsite?
On the coast, the breeze often blows from sea to land by day and land to sea at night. Check the forecast and also watch a flag or leaves on site.
Compass Camera
No sign-up, no location permission, and your photos stay on your phone. Free on Android.