Projectors for Daytime Outdoor Use: How Many Lumens Do I Need?

Ever find yourself wondering what makes a projector good for use outside during the day? Not just when it’s nice and overcast, but when the sun’s out in full force. We have the answers you’ve been seeking and are ready to reveal the secret to enjoying movies, TV, and even gaming on a big screen outdoors, in the daytime.

There’s a persistent myth that projectors are only good in dark home cinema rooms or at night when camping under the stars, but that’s not entirely true. Dark environments are better, but there’s no reason to deprive yourself of enjoyment during the day with your projector. The key is illumination power and viewing conditions! 

The key factor to choosing a projector for daytime use is projector projector brightness, measured in lumens. Lumens measure visible light for a light source. Total light is measured in lux. A sunny day drenches us in almost 100,000 lux.

An average bright day measures roughly 6,000-10,000 lumens as perceived by humans, and that’s a tough number to match for most entertainment-focused projectors, but it’s not impossible, thanks to the relativity of viewing conditions.

To project during full outdoor daylight you need more lumens. While professional projectors can deliver up to 10,000 lumens, they’re not usually portable or affordable since they are primarily designed for large venues such as expos and conventions.

You’ll need a capable and affordable projector that you can easily carry and set up nearly anywhere that has at least 50% parity with a bright day. 3,000 lumens can be a good starting point for locations with plenty of shade, but 4,000 or 5,000 lumens is the better option.

However, most portable projectors currently have lower lumens. It's recommended to opt for a portable projector with 1,000 lumens, ideal for creating your outdoor theater anytime.

When searching for the perfect portable projector for outdoor movies or gaming, there are several factors beyond just brightness to consider. It's essential to opt for a compact design with a convenient handle or an accessory kit for flexible storage. Additionally, an LED light source ensures vivid colors and clear images, while a built-in long-lasting battery allows for uninterrupted movie marathons or gaming sessions. These projectors offer versatile connectivity options, making it easy to access content from various sources. Moreover, equipped with a built-in 2.1-channel audio system, they double as wireless speakers, delivering high-quality sound for music enthusiasts anytime, anywhere.

Time matters too. If you watch between 11am-2pm, you’ll need more illumination or not getting the full, clear picture. We recommend later hours when solar illumination begins to soften and fade. If you don’t want to watch at nighttime, the hours just before sunset or early morning are perfect. It’s fun to do a lunchtime projection session, but it’ll be more of a challenge for clear visuals.

Locations with more shade to block direct sunlight are great. If you set up in the middle of a huge parking lot, your experience won’t be as good as in the middle of a wooded section of parkland where trees help redirect much of the sunlight. Alternatively, you can put together a shed or use other readily available items like umbrellas to create some shade.

Equally important is to choose your screen carefully. Slightly off-white screens that aren’t glossy offer the best experience, though an overly matte screen will diffuse light too much and compromise image clarity. Avoid dark-colored screens, as those “soak up” light. The most popular options for outdoor viewing are inflatable screens, which often feature just the right combination of screen color and texture.

Enjoying big screen entertainment outside during daytime can be tricky. But it’s possible with careful consideration of your projector, location, and viewing time. And if that’s not your thing, you can always set up a home cinema room!