Sun behind large cloud emoji 🌥️
The sun behind large cloud emoji 🌥️ shows a yellow sun mostly hidden behind a large cloud. It is part of the sky & weather subgroup in the Travel & Places group.
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What the sun behind large cloud emoji means
The sun behind large cloud emoji 🌥️ shows a yellow sun mostly hidden behind a large cloud. Its official Unicode name is exactly “sun behind large cloud”. Unlike a simple sun or cloud, this emoji combines both elements to suggest a sky that is mostly overcast, with only a hint of the sun breaking through.
People use it to describe the weather when clouds dominate, or to set a mood that is calm but slightly gloomy. The sun’s faint presence can carry a sense of quiet hope, as if the worst of the cloudiness is passing.
How to use 🌥️ in a message
This emoji works well when you are commenting on the weather outside your window. It can also be used figuratively to express low energy or a dull mood.
- “The sky looks like it might rain 🌥️”
- “Feeling a bit under the weather 🌥️”
- “This coffee is the only sun I’m seeing today 🌥️”
Because the sun is still visible, the emoji can carry a hint of optimism — not a full storm, just a passing cloud. Pair it with other weather emojis for accuracy, such as the rain or wind emojis.
Compare sun behind large cloud with similar emoji
| Emoji | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| sun behind large cloudU+1F325 U+FE0F | Overcast sky with sun partially visible | |
| crescent moonU+1F319 | Night sky symbol, no weather implication | |
| full moonU+1F315 | Bright full moon, often for clear nights | |
| new moon faceU+1F31A | Dark moon with a face, humorous or spooky |
Sun behind large cloud vs. other cloud emojis
There are several cloud-related emojis that can be easy to mix up. The sun behind large cloud 🌥️ is distinct from the sun behind cloud, which shows more of the sun and less cloud. The plain cloud emoji has no sun at all, and the cloud with rain emoji adds rain drops. Choosing the right one depends on how much of the sky is covered. When the sun is still faintly visible through a thick layer of cloud, 🌥️ is the most precise choice.
Typing and copying 🌥️
The sun behind large cloud emoji is available on most modern devices. On an iPhone or iPad, open the emoji keyboard and search for “cloud” or “overcast”. On Android, the emoji picker usually has a weather category or a search function. On macOS, use Control + Command + Space and search. If you have trouble finding it, copy it directly from this page: 🌥️. Then paste it into any app that supports emoji, including messaging apps, social media, and documents. For consistent appearance, use a recent operating system or a popular messaging app.
When not to use 🌥️
If the sky is completely clear, this emoji would be misleading. Similarly, if the sun is fully hidden and there is no visibility of it at all, the plain cloud emoji or the cloud with rain emoji might be a better fit. Use 🌥️ only when the sun is partially visible behind significant cloud cover, or when you want to express a mood that is mostly muted but not entirely without light.
Questions people ask
What does the sun behind large cloud emoji mean?
It shows a sun mostly covered by a large cloud, used to represent overcast weather or a subdued, cloudy day. It can also express a low-energy or slightly gloomy mood.
Is 🌥️ the same as the sun behind cloud emoji?
No, the sun behind cloud emoji shows more of the sun and less cloud, suggesting partly cloudy conditions. The large cloud version implies heavier cloud cover.
When should I use 🌥️ instead of the plain cloud emoji?
Use 🌥️ when the sun is still faintly visible but mostly hidden. The plain cloud emoji ☁️ works for completely overcast skies with no sun at all.
How do I type the sun behind large cloud emoji?
On most keyboards, search for “cloud” or “overcast” in the emoji picker.
Does 🌥️ look the same on all devices?
No, the design varies across platforms. The overall meaning stays the same.
About this guide
Written and maintained by the Emoji Directory editorial team, without ads or sponsorship. Meanings describe how the emoji is commonly used in public posts and messages, not an official definition. Names, code points, versions, keywords and translations come from the Unicode Emoji 18.0 and CLDR data; shortcodes from the gemoji project. Last reviewed . Spotted a mistake or a new usage? Tell us, or read how the directory is made.
