Sunshine Feels Warmer in Northeast Wisconsin as Sun Angle Rises

The increasing sun angle in February makes sunny days feel less chilly in the region.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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While February in Northeast Wisconsin is still typically chilly, the rising sun angle makes the sunshine feel warmer than usual. The science behind this phenomenon shows that the sun's energy hitting the Earth's surface increases as the sun climbs higher in the sky, from about 400 watts per square meter at the winter solstice to around 600 watts per square meter on a sunny February day, and up to 950 watts per square meter at the summer solstice.

Why it matters

The changing sun angle throughout the year has a significant impact on how warm the sunshine feels, even when temperatures are still quite cold. This is an important factor for residents in Northeast Wisconsin as they look forward to the gradual transition from winter to spring.

The details

The sun angle is a key factor in how much solar energy reaches the Earth's surface. When the sun is directly overhead at the equator, the surface receives about 1,000 watts of solar energy per square meter. But in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the sun only reaches 22 degrees above the horizon at the winter solstice, meaning the same area only receives about 400 watts per square meter. On a sunny February day with the sun 32 degrees above the horizon, that increases to 600 watts per square meter. By the March equinox, the sun reaches 46 degrees and the energy jumps to 800 watts per square meter, doubling what's received at the winter solstice.

  • At the winter solstice, the sun in Green Bay reaches a maximum height of 22 degrees above the horizon.
  • On a sunny February day, the sun reaches 32 degrees above the horizon.
  • By the March equinox, the sun in Green Bay reaches 46 degrees above the horizon.

The players

Polly Temp

A resident of Allouez, Wisconsin who noted the difference the sunshine makes on chilly February days.

Steve List

A resident of De Pere, Wisconsin who commented on how the warmer sunshine is a nice change of pace from the typical below-zero winter weather.

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What they’re saying

“Big difference. The longer daylight hours and the sun makes it feel warmer than it actually is, if the wind isn't too wicked.”

— Polly Temp, Allouez resident (fox11online.com)

“It's beautiful. The days where you're out there and your holes freeze all the time and it's below zero. It's a nice change of pace this time of year, up through probably middle March.”

— Steve List, De Pere resident (fox11online.com)

What’s next

As the sun angle continues to increase in the coming weeks, residents in Northeast Wisconsin can expect the sunshine to feel increasingly warmer, even as temperatures remain cool.

The takeaway

The changing sun angle throughout the year has a significant impact on how warm the sunshine feels, providing an important factor for residents in Northeast Wisconsin as they look forward to the gradual transition from winter to spring.