Sunlight Hours in Kunming
Sunlight hours, shadow patterns, and solar analysis for Kunming, China
Interactive 3D Shadow Map
Summer afternoon in Kunming
Kunming
3:30 PM • Summer Solstice
Interactive 3D shadow analysis map of Kunming. Shows real building shadows based on sun position calculations. Features include: time-of-day simulation, date selection for seasonal analysis, 3D building rendering, tree shadows, terrain elevation, and sun position indicators. Powered by Mapbox GL JS and SunCalc astronomical calculations.
Today's Sunlight
March Average
Sunrise
07:20
Sunset
19:15
Total Daylight
11h 57m
Sun Altitude
64°
at noon
Seasonal Extremes
Longest Day
13.6h
2026-06-21
Shortest Day
10.5h
2026-12-21
Explore Shadows in 3D
See exactly how building shadows fall across Kunming at any time of day or year.
25.0389°
102.7183°
Best Time to Visit Kunming
Month-by-month daylight conditions
Kunming has moderate seasonal variation (3.1h difference between longest and shortest days). May-August offers the best conditions for outdoor activities.
Peak Months
Jun, Jul, May, Aug
Shoulder Season
Apr & Sep
Winter
Jan
10.7h
Good
Winter
Feb
11.3h
Good
Spring
Mar
11.9h
Great
Spring
Apr
12.7h
Excellent
Spring
May
13.3h
Excellent
Summer
Jun
13.6h
Excellent
Summer
Jul
13.4h
Excellent
Summer
Aug
12.9h
Excellent
Autumn
Sep
12.2h
Great
Autumn
Oct
11.5h
Great
Autumn
Nov
10.8h
Good
Winter
Dec
10.5h
Good
Golden Hour in Kunming
Best times for photography
March Golden Hour
07:20 - 08:20
Blue hour from 06:50
18:15 - 19:15
Blue hour until 19:45
Best Months
- 1Year-round — Consistent golden hour length
- 2Oct-Apr — Milder temperatures for outdoor shoots
- 3Jun-Aug — Latest sunsets for evening shoots
Photography Tips
- Golden hour transitions are relatively quick - be prepared and in position early
- Midday sun can be harsh; use it for high-contrast architectural photography
- Face south during midday for even lighting on subjects
- Check the 3D shadow map to scout locations and predict light direction
Understanding Kunming's Sunlight
AI-powered insights for your location
Kunming's mid-latitude location (25.0°N) creates moderate seasonal variation, with winter days 3.1 hours shorter than summer. The sun reaches 88° at summer noon but only 42° in winter.
Key Challenges
- 1Consider local weather patterns that may affect sunshine
- 2Urban buildings may create additional shadows
Best Months
April through September offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Northern Hemisphere.
Garden Tips
South-facing gardens receive the most consistent sunlight year-round in Kunming. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
Solar Energy Potential
Is Kunming good for solar panels?
With approximately 1,982 annual sun hours, Kunming has good solar potential. A well-designed system can significantly reduce electricity costs.
Annual Sun Hours
1,982
estimated
Optimal Panel Tilt
25°
facing south
Peak Production
Jun, Jul, May
highest output
Relative Monthly Production
Installation Tips for Kunming
- Orient panels south with a 25° tilt for optimal year-round performance
- Use the 3D shadow map to check for obstructions from trees or neighboring buildings
- Consider seasonal tilt adjustment: steeper in winter (40°), flatter in summer (10°)
UV Index & Sun Safety
Protect yourself in Kunming
March UV Index
Maximum protection essential. Avoid outdoor activities during peak hours.
Monthly UV Index
Peak UV Months
Apr, May, Jun have the highest UV levels (up to 13). Take extra precautions during these months.
Protection Needed
- SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen
- Full coverage clothing and wide-brim hat
- Stay indoors 10am-4pm
Outdoor Activities in Kunming
Best times for popular activities
Best Activities in March
Gardening
55% match
Outdoor Dining
25% match
Hiking & Walking
25% match
Year-Round Activity Guide
| Activity | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Dining | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | |||||||
| Hiking & Walking | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ||||||||
| Beach & Swimming | ★ | ★ | ★ | |||||||||
| Photography | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | |||||||
| Gardening | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | |||||||
| Running & Cycling | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ |
Outdoor Dining
Enjoy al fresco dining during the warmer months with longer evening light.
Hiking & Walking
Mild temperatures and good daylight make spring and autumn ideal for trails.
Beach & Swimming
Peak sun and warmest temperatures during summer months.
Seasonal Sunlight Calendar
Monthly averages throughout the year
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight | Sun Angle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
January | 07:58 | 18:39 | 10h 43m | 45° |
February | 07:45 | 19:01 | 11h 16m | 53° |
March | 07:20 | 19:15 | 11h 57m | 64° |
April | 06:48 | 19:29 | 12h 40m | 75° |
May | 06:27 | 19:44 | 13h 16m | 84° |
☀️June | 06:21 | 19:57 | 13h 34m | 88° |
☀️July | 06:31 | 19:58 | 13h 25m | 86° |
☀️August | 06:45 | 19:40 | 12h 53m | 78° |
September | 06:57 | 19:09 | 12h 11m | 67° |
October | 07:10 | 18:38 | 11h 28m | 56° |
November | 07:28 | 18:18 | 10h 51m | 47° |
December | 07:49 | 18:19 | 10h 32m | 42° |
Summer Solstice
13.6h daylight
Winter Solstice
10.5h daylight
Explore Nearby Cities
Sunlight data for surrounding areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Sunlight in Kunming
1How many hours of sunlight does Kunming get?
How many hours of sunlight does Kunming get?
Kunming receives an average of 12.1 hours of daylight per day. This varies throughout the year, from 10.5 hours on the shortest day to 13.6 hours on the longest day.
2What is the sun angle in Kunming during winter?
What is the sun angle in Kunming during winter?
During winter solstice, the sun reaches a maximum altitude of only 41.5° above the horizon at solar noon in Kunming. This creates shadows that are 1.1x the height of objects.
3When is the best time for outdoor activities in Kunming?
When is the best time for outdoor activities in Kunming?
April through September offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Northern Hemisphere.
4How do I plan a garden in Kunming for maximum sunlight?
How do I plan a garden in Kunming for maximum sunlight?
South-facing gardens receive the most consistent sunlight year-round in Kunming. Consider shadow patterns from neighboring structures when planning outdoor spaces.
5What time is golden hour in Kunming?
What time is golden hour in Kunming?
In March, golden hour in Kunming occurs in the morning from 07:20 - 08:20 and in the evening from 18:15 - 19:15. These times shift throughout the year as sunrise and sunset times change.
6What is the UV index in Kunming?
What is the UV index in Kunming?
The UV index in Kunming varies by season. During summer, UV can reach 13 (very high), while winter UV levels are much lower. Always check daily UV forecasts and wear SPF 30+ sunscreen during peak hours (10am-4pm).
7Are solar panels worth it in Kunming?
Are solar panels worth it in Kunming?
Kunming receives approximately 1,982 hours of sunshine annually. This makes it a good location for solar panels, with typical payback periods of 5-10 years. For optimal performance, orient panels south at a 25° tilt angle.
8When is sunrise and sunset in Kunming?
When is sunrise and sunset in Kunming?
In March, sunrise in Kunming is around 07:20 and sunset is around 19:15, giving 11.9 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise occurs around the summer solstice (06:23) and latest sunset follows shortly after.
9What is the best month to visit Kunming for weather?
What is the best month to visit Kunming for weather?
For optimal daylight and outdoor conditions in Kunming, April through September offers the longest days and highest sun angles in the Northern Hemisphere. The shoulder seasons often offer a good balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
10How long are shadows in Kunming?
How long are shadows in Kunming?
Shadow length varies dramatically by season in Kunming. At summer noon, shadows are only 0.0x the height of objects (sun at 88°). In winter, shadows extend to 1.1x object height (sun at just 42°).