UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation

Shade is a critical heat-management solution, yet most U.S. cities lack enough to keep people safe during hot conditions. Using the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation’s national Shade Map, this research brief presents new insights into shade patterns across 360 U.S. cities. Findings show that 91 percent of cities have less than 50 percent shade at noon, and more than half have under 25 percent, leaving people highly exposed to sunlight during the hottest part of the day. Shade cover increases later in the day, rising from 27 percent at noon to 59 percent by 6 p.m., primarily due to buildings. Trees provide nearly all midday shade, while buildings contribute more in the evening. However, shade is not evenly distributed: many cities contain “shade oases” and “shade deserts,” with large gaps between neighborhoods. Case studies in Austin, Detroit, and Phoenix demonstrate stark disparities, with shade gaps as large as 80 percentage points. These findings underscore the importance of planning for shade to improve safety, equity, and quality of life in urban environments.