Daylight

A
Utility

Daylight is a Utility spell. Utility spells solve problems outside of combat or provide unique situational advantages.

See all Utility spells →
 spell that floods an area with sunlight and
battlefield control

Daylight is a Battlefield Shaping spell. Battlefield Shaping spells alter terrain, create obstacles, introduce hazards, and affect enemy positioning.

See all Battlefield Shaping spells →
, banishing lesser darkness and revealing hidden spaces.

2024 Rules
Level & School
3rd-level evocation
Casting Time
Action
Range
60 feet
Components
V, S
Duration
1 hour
Classes
Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Ranger, Sorcerer

For the duration, sunlight spreads from a point within range and fills a 60-foot-radius Sphere. The sunlight's area is Bright Light and sheds Dim Light for an additional 60 feet.

Alternatively, you cast the spell on an object that isn't being worn or carried, causing the sunlight to fill a 60-foot Emanation originating from that object. Covering that object with something opaque, such as a bowl or helm, blocks the sunlight.

If any of this spell's area overlaps with an area of Darkness created by a spell of level 3 or lower, that other spell is dispelled.

2014 Rules
Level & School
3rd-level evocation
Casting Time
Action
Range
60 feet
Components
V, S
Duration
1 hour
Classes
Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Ranger, Sorcerer

A 60-foot radius sphere of light spreads out from a point you choose within range. The sphere is bright light and sheds dim light for an additional 60 feet.

If you chose a point on an object you are holding or one that isn't being worn or carried, the light shines from the object and moves with it. Completely covering the affected object with an opaque object, such as a bowl or a helm, blocks the light.

If any of this spell's area overlaps with an area of darkness created by a spell of 3rd level or lower, the spell that created the darkness is dispelled.

Daylight 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

Daylight now creates sunlight instead of just bright light, so it can trigger sunlight-specific effects. It also has an alternate object form that fills a 60-foot Emanation from the object. The darkness it dispels is now tied to a spell of level 3 or lower.

Daylight popularity

Daylight is a commonly chosen level 3 spell. Choosing it adds an established option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Daylight

  • Continual Flame 2nd-level evocation

    Creates persistent magical light on an object and is often used as a nonconcentration, object-based illumination option like casting daylight on an item.

  • Faerie Fire 1st-level evocation

    Makes an area brightly lit and reveals hidden or invisible creatures, serving a similar tactical purpose of forcing visibility in combat.

  • Light Evocation cantrip

    Is the basic spell for creating light on an object and functions as the low-level counterpart players reach for when they need illumination.

  • Moonbeam 2nd-level evocation

    Produces a lasting column of magical light that affects creatures in its area, so it overlaps with daylight's use as an area-affecting, light-based option.

  • Dispel Magic 3rd-level abjuration

    Doesn’t create light but shares the utility of removing magical effects, similar to daylight's ability to end lesser darkness spells.