Sunset times after 5 PM will return as days lengthen with the Earth's tilt toward spring. In northern latitudes like London, this shift begins noticeably in January and continues through the year.

Current Sunset Trends

On January 6, 2026, sunset occurs at 4:08 PM in London, still early due to winter solstice effects. Times gradually advance daily: by January 15, it reaches 4:20 PM; late January hits 4:48 PM.

When It Hits After 5 PM

Sunset passes 5 PM around late January to early February in mid-northern locations. For London specifically:

  • January 31: 4:48 PM
  • Expect the crossover shortly after February 1 , likely February 2-3, as minutes accumulate.

Date Range| Approx. Sunset (London)| Day Length Gain
---|---|---
Jan 6| 4:08 PM| 8h 02m
Jan 20| 4:28 PM| 8h 32m
Jan 31| 4:48 PM| 9h 06m
Early Feb| After 5:00 PM| 9h+

Location Matters

  • Northern cities (e.g., London, New York): After 5 PM hits early February.
  • Southern US (e.g., Los Angeles): Already closer, shifting sooner—check local calculators for precision.
  • Use tools like timeanddate.com for your exact spot, as latitude drives this.

Why the Shift Happens

Earth's 23.5° axial tilt means northern hemisphere winters have short days; post-solstice (Dec 21), sunlight increases ~2 minutes daily. By spring equinox (March 20), evenings extend dramatically.

TL;DR : Sunset after 5 PM resumes early February 2026 in places like London—watch for Feb 2 onward.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.