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
Source
Player's Handbook (2024)

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
Source
Player's Handbook (2014)

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

Now creates sunlight instead of generic light, so it can interact with sunlight-specific rules. The object version now uses a 60-foot Emanation from the object rather than the old moving sphere wording.

How popular is Daylight in 5e?

Daylight is the #19 most popular level 3 spell (of 80) and the #9 most picked level 3 Sorcerer spell (of 36).

Among level 3 spells, Daylight ranks just below Tongues and just above Clairvoyance in popularity.

Read about how this popularity data is calculated.

Spells similar to Daylight