Annual Sunshine in Sion: best neighborhoods and areas

Annual Sunshine measures global solar energy received at ground level, accounting for terrain and local horizon. Data come from the SFOE solar atlas and the swissALTI3D model. A high score means a sunnier location.

On this criterion, the Sion area performs particularly well. The average score of 6.7/10, computed across 17 communes, sits above the national average (4.7/10). Scores span from 0/10 to 10/10 across the communes analysed.

The standard deviation of 3.1 signals significant internal disparities: commune choice matters as much as agglomeration choice.

Geographic Patterns and Contrasts

Between the top-ranked commune (10/10) and the weakest (0/10), the gap reaches 10 points out of 10. A meaningful divide that illustrates how fine-grained geography shapes this criterion: a neighbouring commune can deliver a radically different experience.

Top-ranked communes typically benefit from several convergent factors (location, long-standing infrastructure, geographic exposure); the weakest often compound structural disadvantages. The interactive map makes these spatial clusters visible at a glance.

Who Weighs This Criterion Most

Among the four VivaMap profiles, the Retirement profile weights this criterion most heavily (weight 80 out of 100). The other profiles apply the following weights: Nature (weight 70), Family (weight 50), Young Professional (weight 30).

Practically, a high Annual Sunshine score carries significant impact on the ranking for the Retirement profile, whereas it matters less for a profile that de-emphasises this criterion. This explains why the same commune can lead one ranking and fall mid-pack in another.

Comparison Across Swiss Agglomerations

Among the 21 major Swiss agglomerations analysed by VivaMap, Sion ranks among the top three for Annual Sunshine — rank 3/21 (ahead of 90% of the agglomerations).

Its immediate neighbours in the ranking are Lausanne (rank 2) and Fribourg (rank 4). This context helps calibrate absolute scores: an agglomeration that looks average in isolation can sit well among its peers, and vice versa.

Key Takeaway

To prioritise Annual Sunshine in the Sion area, Vétroz (VS) leads with 10/10. Explore the interactive map to compare communes in real time, adjust weights to your profile, and see variation at the neighbourhood scale. See the national Annual Sunshine page for the full ranking and methodology.