This Sunday, December 21, 2025, marks the winter solstice – the shortest day of the year. From this pivotal point, daylight hours will gradually begin to increase across the United Kingdom, offering a welcome promise of brighter evenings ahead.
The Turning Point: Winter Solstice Details
The precise moment of the winter solstice will occur at 3.03pm on Sunday, December 21. On this shortest day, London will experience a notably early sunset at 3:54pm, plunging the capital into darkness during the late afternoon commute.
When Will Sunsets Return After 5pm?
The return of evening light will be a gradual process, varying significantly across the UK due to longitude. The first sunset after 5pm will be witnessed in the most westerly regions.
County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland will lead the way, seeing its first post-5pm sunset on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
For England, Birmingham will follow, with sunset at 5:01pm on February 5. Londoners will have to wait a further two days, finally enjoying an evening sunset after 5pm on Saturday, February 7.
Weather Outlook for the Darkest Days
The Met Office has issued its forecast for the festive period and beyond. For December 18 to 27, the weather authority predicts any snow will likely be confined to high ground in the north, with strong winds and a risk of gales, especially in coastal and elevated areas.
Conditions are then expected to become more settled, with drier weather becoming prevalent. This shift may lead to increased overnight fog and frost, with temperatures dropping to around average for the time of year.
Looking further ahead to the period from December 28 to January 11, the Met Office warns of a continuing risk of snow, mainly over higher ground in the north. High pressure is predicted to become more influential, increasing the likelihood of drier weather compared to the early winter period.
While the deep midwinter brings the shortest days, the solstice is a clear signal that the slow march towards spring and longer evenings has officially begun.
