London to Hong Kong: which side of the plane gets the sun?
On London to Hong Kong, the shady side depends on when you fly: check the table for your departure time and season.
Best side for shade
Departure time is local at LHR. Seasons use the solstices and equinoxes.
| Departing | Mar | Jun | Sep | Dec |
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| Morning07:00 | Leftsunset right | Left | Leftsunset right | Leftsunset right |
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| Midday12:00 | Eithersun on both sides | Rightsunset left | Leftsunrise left | Leftsunset right |
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| Afternoon16:00 | Rightsunset left | Rightsunset left | Rightsunset left | Eithersun high, ahead or behind |
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| Evening20:00 | Leftsunrise left | Rightsunset left | Leftsunrise left | Left |
|---|
The route starts out heading east-northeast. When it happens during the flight, the sunrise can be on either side, depending on season and time, and the sunset can be on either side, depending on season and time.
About this flight
London (LHR) to Hong Kong (HKG) is about 9,630 km on the shortest path, typically around 12h 00m gate to gate. Set your exact departure time above to see where the sun is minute by minute.
How accurate is this?
Real flights don't fly exactly the shortest path, and delays and winds shift the timing, so treat sunrise and sunset times as approximate. At cruise altitude the sun sets 10 to 20 minutes later than on the ground. A bright cloud deck below can reflect glare in on either side. More on accuracy.
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