Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about finding sunny pubs in London
How do you calculate sun exposure for pubs?
We use 3D raytracing technology to simulate sunlight throughout the day. Our system captures the 3D geometry of buildings surrounding each pub and calculates what percentage of the outdoor seating area receives direct sunlight at any given time, accounting for shadows from nearby structures.
What areas of London do you cover?
We currently cover 700+ pubs across London, including popular areas like Shoreditch, Hackney, Soho, Camden, Brixton, and many more. We are expanding to cover the entire UK in 2026.
How accurate is the sun data?
Our calculations are highly accurate for clear sky conditions. We account for building shadows and seasonal sun angle changes. Note that temporary obstructions like umbrellas or awnings are not modeled, and actual conditions may vary with weather.
What types of outdoor areas do you track?
We track 7 types of outdoor areas: beer gardens, terraces, rooftops, pavement seating, courtyards, frontage seating, and waterfront terraces. You can filter by area type to find exactly what you are looking for.
How often is the data updated?
Sun exposure data is recalculated weekly. Since sun angles change throughout the year, we maintain a full 366-day calendar of predictions.
What is the best time to find a sunny pub?
It depends on the pub location and surrounding buildings. Generally, south-facing areas get more consistent sun. Use our time slider to see exactly when each pub gets sun throughout the day.
How do I find pubs that are sunny right now?
Use our interactive map at pubsinthesun.com/sunny-pub-map. It shows real-time sun conditions based on the current time and date. You can also use the time slider to plan ahead for later in the day or week.
Can I filter by outdoor area type?
Yes! You can filter pubs by outdoor area type including beer gardens, rooftops, terraces, pavement seating, courtyards, frontage seating, and waterfront terraces. This helps you find exactly the type of outdoor space you prefer.
Do you include pubs outside London?
Currently we focus on London, but we are actively working on expanding coverage to the rest of the UK. Check back in 2026 for nationwide coverage.
How do seasonal changes affect sun exposure?
Sun angles vary significantly throughout the year. Our calculations account for the sun's position for every day of the year, so summer predictions will be different from winter ones. The time slider lets you check any date to plan ahead.
Which London pubs have the biggest beer gardens?
Our Largest Beer Gardens guide ranks London pubs by outdoor area size. You can browse by beer garden, rooftop, terrace, or courtyard. Visit pubsinthesun.com/guides/area/beer-garden/largest for the full ranked list.
Can I see which pubs will be sunny tomorrow or next weekend?
Yes. Use the date picker on our interactive map or in the mobile app to select any future date. Sun positions are calculated astronomically for every day of the year, so weekend planning is just as accurate as today.
What is the sunniest time of year for London pub gardens?
June and July generally offer the highest sun angles and longest days. Our annual sun report shows that beer gardens facing south to southwest get the most consistent sun from May through August. See our reports section for detailed monthly breakdowns.
How do I find a pub with a beer garden near a tube station?
Use our tube line guides at pubsinthesun.com/guides. Each of the 14 lines has a guide listing the sunniest pubs near every station. Drill down to any station for a focused list of nearby options.
Is Pubs In The Sun free to use?
Yes — the website and app are completely free. The app is available on iOS and Android. Create a free account to save favourite pubs and build custom lists.