You’ve spent good money on security cameras, but then you check the footage and—nothing. Just a washed-out white blur where your driveway should be. I’ve seen this happen too many times, and it’s frustrating because sun glare is completely preventable if you know what you’re doing.
Where you position security cameras to avoid sun glare makes all the difference between useless footage and actually catching what matters.
Most people think pointing cameras at entry points is enough, but they forget the sun moves across the sky all day long. That beautiful morning light that makes your coffee taste better? It’s probably turning your camera footage into an unwatchable mess.
The solution isn’t complicated, but it does require thinking ahead about your property’s light patterns throughout the day and year. Get the positioning right from the start, and you’ll never have to climb that ladder twice.
Let me show you!
Where to Position Security Cameras to Avoid Sun Glare [5 Best Locations]
Sun glare prevention requires understanding the sun’s entire daily path across your property, not just avoiding east and west directions.
The sun travels in an arc throughout the day, and depending on your location and the season, that arc changes dramatically.
In summer, the sun sits higher and travels a different path than in winter. I learned this the hard way when a camera I installed in October worked perfectly until spring rolled around and suddenly every afternoon was a washout.
Think of it this way: you’re not just avoiding one position of the sun—you’re avoiding a moving target that shifts throughout the year.
That’s why professional installers spend time watching how light hits a property at different times before drilling a single hole. And here are the most likely post they are to position your security cameras to avoid sun glare:
Check out: Do Outdoor Security Cameras Really Handle Extreme Weather?
1. Under Eaves And Overhangs
The sweet spot? Mount cameras under eaves, awnings, or any overhang that provides natural shade throughout the day.
This physical barrier blocks direct sunlight from hitting the lens while still allowing the camera to capture everything below it. I’ve mounted dozens of cameras this way, and it’s probably the single most effective glare-prevention technique that doesn’t cost you a dime extra.
Your roof’s overhang creates a protective shadow that moves with the sun, keeping harsh light off the lens during peak hours.
The deeper the overhang, the better the protection. Just make sure you’re not mounting so far back that the overhang itself blocks your camera’s view of the area you’re trying to monitor.
2. North or South-Facing Positions
Position your cameras to face north or south when possible. North-facing cameras rarely deal with direct sunlight in the Northern Hemisphere, making them ideal for 24/7 clear footage.
South-facing cameras get more sun exposure, but they’re still better than east or west-facing positions that catch brutal sunrise and sunset glare.
When you absolutely must cover an east or west-facing area, angle the camera downward more steeply. This keeps the lens looking at the ground and walls rather than the horizon where the sun hangs during those brutal golden hours.
Yeah, you might lose some distant coverage, but what’s the point of covering more area if you can’t see anything anyway?
3. High-Angle Downward Positioning
Mount cameras at least 8-10 feet high with a downward angle. This height serves double duty: it’s harder for tampering, and it naturally angles the camera downward away from horizon-level sun exposure. Lower mounting might seem easier to install, but you’re setting yourself up for more glare issues.
The steeper downward angle means your camera is looking at surfaces (ground, walls, driveways) rather than the sky where the sun lives. Most quality cameras have at least a 110-degree field of view, so you’re not sacrificing coverage by angling down—you’re actually optimizing it.
4. Away From Reflective Surfaces
Keep cameras away from reflective surfaces like windows, metal siding, or cars parked nearby. These act like mirrors, bouncing sunlight directly into your lens even when the sun isn’t directly visible.
I once installed a camera that had perfect sun avoidance but picked up glare from a neighbor’s aluminum shed 20 feet away. We had to reposition entirely.
Shiny surfaces can be sneaky sources of glare—even white painted walls or light-colored concrete can reflect enough light to wash out footage during peak sun hours. Give yourself at least 10-15 feet of clearance from major reflective surfaces when possible.
Also Read: Can I Monitor Security Cameras from Anywhere Using Smartphone?
Frequently Asked Questions
What Time Of Day Causes The Most Sun Glare On Security Cameras?
The worst glare typically happens during the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset—those “golden hour” times photographers love.
That’s when the sun sits low on the horizon, shooting light directly at eye level where most cameras are pointed.
East-facing cameras get hammered in the morning, west-facing in the evening. The midday sun usually sits high enough that properly angled cameras avoid direct exposure.
Can I Use Hdr Cameras To Solve Sun Glare Problems Instead Of Repositioning?
HDR cameras definitely help manage contrast between bright and dark areas, and they’re worth the investment for outdoor installations.
But here’s the reality: HDR can’t fix direct sunlight blasting into the lens. It’s like wearing sunglasses while staring at the sun—better than nothing, but you’re still going to struggle.
Think of it as damage control rather than a complete solution. Proper positioning should always be your first defense.
Should Security Cameras Face North To Completely Avoid Sun Glare?
North-facing cameras are your best friend for glare-free footage in the Northern Hemisphere, but they’re not always practical for complete property coverage.
You can’t choose directions based solely on sun avoidance—you need to cover entry points and vulnerable areas regardless of orientation.
Use north-facing positions for your most critical cameras where you need reliable 24/7 footage, then use protective measures for other directions.
Will Sun Glare Damage My Security Camera Or Just Affect The Footage Quality?
Both, actually. Short-term sun exposure creates washed-out footage, but prolonged direct sunlight causes real hardware issues. The intense heat degrades internal components, shortens the camera’s lifespan, and can permanently damage image sensors.
I’ve seen cameras produce pink-tinted or dead-pixel footage after months of daily sun exposure. Dark-colored housings absorb more heat and suffer worse damage. Proper positioning protects both your footage quality and your investment.
Conclusion
After installing cameras on dozens of properties, I can tell you the ones that still work perfectly years later share one thing: someone took the time to think about sun patterns before mounting them. The homeowners who just slapped cameras up wherever looked convenient? They’re usually back on that ladder within months, repositioning or replacing.
Your best bet is combining multiple strategies—mount under overhangs when possible, favor north-south orientations, angle cameras downward, and keep them away from reflective surfaces. Test positions with your phone before committing to permanent installation.
The fifteen minutes you spend studying your property’s light patterns will save you hours of frustration and potentially hundreds of dollars in repositioning or replacement costs. Position your cameras like the sun actually matters, because when you need that footage most, you’ll be glad you did.