Date ticks and rotation

How to rotate without breaking

For a more stable rotation

A spoiler-free way to apply and maintain custom rotation is setp(). Why? Because it's dependable. Here, Python's law of precise language triumphs:

ax = plt.gca()  # Getting the compass in hands
plt.setp(ax.get_xticklabels(), rotation=45, ha="right")  # Rotate & right-align, be sure to do your morning stretches!
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Winning over plt.gca()

Although plt.gca() might seem like a lifesaver, it doesn't play nice with multiple axes. And we don't like rude players, do we?

fig, axs = plt.subplots(2, 1)
plt.setp(axs[0].xaxis.get_majorticklabels(), rotation=45)  # Rotate the first subplot. Because, why not!
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Getting the axis right without confusion

In a world where order is critical, simply setting x-ticks before labeling ensures you live without regrets:

ax.set_xticklabels(xlabels, rotation=45) # Setting rotation first, just like eating dessert before dinner!
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Minimize confusion for maximum gains

Warding off overlapping labels

Make sure the rotated labels aren't just positioned well, but also look good. After a night of dancing (rotating) they could do with some breathing space:

ax.tick_params(axis='x', pad=15)  # "Give me some space!", said the tick
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Strong, independent ticks

Using the object-oriented approach, you wave goodbye to errors:

ax.xaxis.set_tick_params(rotation=45) # Ticks like to rotate like independent objects! They don't need no plt.xticks()
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Auto-Ticks: Transform your date plots

Use AutoDateLocator and AutoDateFormatter to apply a makeover to your date plots:

from matplotlib.dates import AutoDateLocator, AutoDateFormatter

ax.xaxis.set_major_locator(AutoDateLocator())
ax.xaxis.set_major_formatter(AutoDateFormatter(AutoDateLocator()))
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Making your plot shine

Strike a balance

Make readers' eyes happy with a subtle rotation:

plt.setp(ax.get_xticklabels(), rotation=20)  # A little tilt won’t hurt
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A spacious plot is a happy plot

Add some air to your subplot layout:

plt.subplots_adjust(bottom=0.2)  # "Let's give ourselves some space!", said Plot to Subplot
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Tick alignment mastery

Align ticks with data points, because accuracy is not overrated:

from matplotlib.ticker import MaxNLocator

ax.xaxis.set_major_locator(MaxNLocator(integer=True))
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