We are weeks away from the start of winter, but we are now in the darkest time of the year.
It is “solar winter” time. Solar winter is the time of the year with the least amount of daylight in the northern hemisphere.
Solar winter runs from Nov. 6 to Feb. 3. Since daylight saving time ended in November, you’ve noticed earlier sunsets and darker skies earlier in the day.
Since the start of summer on June 21, our days are getting shorter too.
Solar winter differs from the winter solstice when winter officially starts.
(Getty Images)
The winter solstice will begin on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023 at 8:27 p.m.
The day is the shortest period of daylight and longest night of the year. We will have 7 hours and 14 minutes of daylight.
Our Earth’s North Pole is at its maximum tilt away from the sun during the winter solstice and puts the sun at its southernmost point in the sky.
It’s not winter yet, so you can still enjoy this comfy fall weather (for the most part).