Daylight tracker – morning first

Zombie mode in the morning? Step into the light.

Rule of thumb: about 10 minutes of morning sunlight on a clear day, more when it is grey. LightOtter estimates how long you should head out today, based on the weather where you are.

Start for freeHow it works
Core features free · Premium optional · no login · runs in your browserHow much daylight is in your day? Take the light check (1 minute)
Example of the LightOtter home screen: Good morning! 4 of the last 7 days, Daylight today 6 min. Today’s mission about 15 min, because it is 40 % cloudy. Best window: 7:40–9:30 am.
Store apps are coming

Secure your founder otter

Join the waitlist for the iOS and Android apps. Confirm your email and at launch you get an annual pass at the founder price of 24.99 € (incl. VAT; regular price 39.99 €), once per email address – paid once, does not renew. We will email you the exact offer period before launch. Sign in to the app with the same email address.

How it works

Three steps until Ollie glows.

  1. Get your plan

    A few quick questions, then Ollie works out your personal light goal.

  2. Step outside

    One tap on “Soak up the sun”. Go for a walk, stand on the balcony or just be outside while Ollie fills up with light.

  3. Glow

    Goal reached: confetti, sun coins and a streak that keeps growing.

Features

Small in your day, smart in the background.

One tap starts a session. LightOtter works out the rest.

  • Personal light plan

    A few questions about your mornings and your time budget set your daily target.

  • Weather-smart estimate

    Cloud cover, UV index and sun elevation for your location or a city you pick.

  • Check brightness

    Point the camera at the sky and tap: a quick estimate of how bright it is right now.

  • Coffee timer

    Want to wait a while after getting up before your first coffee? LightOtter lets you know when your wait is over – your choice, not a recommendation.

  • Sunset session

    Five minutes of evening light before sunset, then the app switches to warm evening colours.

  • Winter mode

    Dark morning? Bright light indoors makes the wait easier. LightOtter shows when your first daylight window opens.

  • Walk with a map (Premium)

    Route, steps and distance for your morning walk, drawn on a map.

  • Streak with a sun umbrella

    Missed a morning? The weekly sun umbrella keeps your streak alive once a week.

Your circadian rhythm

Morning sunlight. Evening calm.

Bright daylight soon after waking is one of the main cues your body clock uses to keep time: the circadian rhythm behind your sleep schedule. Outdoors, even a cloudy morning is many times brighter than a lit room, so stepping outside usually gets you far more light than sitting by the window.

LightOtter is not medical advice. Never look directly at the sun.

Try the morning light calculatorEarly bird or night owl? Take the chronotype quiz (2 minutes)All guides on morning light and daily rhythm
  • MorningBright light is part of waking up.
  • MiddayMidday sun: in moderation, and remember sun protection.
  • EveningEnjoy the last minutes of sun, then let the day wind down.
  • NightDim the lights and wind down.

Questions people ask

Does sunlight through a window count?

Only a little. A window lets in plenty of light, but indoors you see just a small patch of sky, so the spot by the window is usually far dimmer than being outside. If you can, step out for your minutes.

How long do I need when it is cloudy?

LightOtter’s rule of thumb: about 10 minutes on a clear morning, 15 when it is partly cloudy and 20 to 25 when it is overcast, up to 30 with a low sun. The app always shows the reason next to the number.

What if it is still dark when I get up?

Then LightOtter shows your first daylight window after sunrise. Until then, bright light indoors can make the wait easier. If you use a daylight lamp, follow its instructions.

Should I wear sunglasses?

For your morning minutes, leave sunglasses off if that is comfortable and safe for you, because they block much of the light. Regular glasses and contact lenses are fine. If your eyes are sensitive or a doctor told you to protect them, keep them on. Never look directly at the sun.

How soon will I notice something?

LightOtter helps you build a habit. It does not promise a particular effect, because everyone is different. Regularity matters more than any single morning, which is why there is a streak. If you feel tired for a long time, talk to a doctor.

Wake Ollie tomorrow morning.

Add LightOtter to your home screen and start it like an app. No app store needed.

Open the app