As the year winds down and November arrives, the days gradually shorten, leading to earlier sunsets. This shift in daylight hours can impact our routines, mood, and outdoor activities. Understanding when it gets dark in November is essential for planning your evenings, whether you’re commuting home from work, enjoying leisure time, or preparing for seasonal festivities. In this blog, we will explore the factors influencing sunset times in November, provide specific timings for various locations in the UK, and discuss the implications of reduced daylight. Factors influencing sunset times The time it gets dark in November is affected by several factors, including geographical location, time zone, and the impact of Daylight Saving Time (DST). The UK follows Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) during November after reverting from British Summer Time (BST) at the end of October. As you move further north in the UK, sunset times become earlier. This is due to the curvature of the Earth and its tilt, which means that locations at higher latitudes experience more pronounced variations in daylight throughout the year. For example, cities in Scotland will see sunset times much earlier than those in southern England. Additionally, the position of the sun in the sky changes as winter approaches. During November, the sun takes a lower trajectory, which results in less daylight. The length of daylight decreases significantly from October, when days are still relatively long, to December, when the shortest day occurs. Understanding these dynamics can help you adjust your expectations for the coming months. Typical sunset times in November In November, sunset times can vary considerably across the UK. Below are average sunset times for a few key locations: London: around 4:30 PM at the beginning of November and by 4:00 PM by the end of the month. Birmingham: approximately 4:30 PM at the start of November, gradually transitioning to about 4:05 PM by month-end. Manchester: starts with sunset at about 4:30 PM, dropping to around 4:10 PM. Edinburgh: begins with sunsets at 4:30 PM and drops to about 3:55 PM by the end of November. Aberdeen: initially around 4:30 PM, it can go down to around 3:45 PM. These times reflect average sunset times and can vary slightly based on specific dates and local weather conditions. As you can see, the farther north you go, the earlier it gets dark. Planning around reduced daylight With earlier sunset times, it’s essential to plan your activities accordingly. For those who work during the day, this might mean adjusting your routine to make the most of the limited daylight. Here are a few tips for coping with shorter days: Maximise daylight hours: whenever possible, schedule outdoor activities for the early part of the day when there is more natural light. Whether it’s exercise, walks, or errands, utilise the sunlight to your advantage. Use artificial lighting: as it gets dark earlier, ensure you have adequate indoor lighting for your home and workspace. Bright, warm lighting can help counteract the gloom of shorter days and create a more inviting environment. Stay active: physical activity can help combat the winter blues that often accompany reduced daylight. Consider joining a gym or taking up indoor hobbies that keep you engaged and active throughout the colder months. Plan social events: organise gatherings or social outings earlier in the day or during weekends to make the most of the available light. This can create a more enjoyable atmosphere and encourage people to participate. Embrace winter activities: use the early darkness to your advantage by exploring seasonal activities, such as visiting Christmas markets, attending light displays, or participating in festive events. Plan your days accordingly Understanding when it gets dark in November is crucial for adapting to the changes in daylight hours. As the days grow shorter, it's vital to plan accordingly, ensuring you make the most of the available light. By staying organised and embracing the season's unique offerings, you can navigate November's early sunsets with ease. Whether it’s through enjoying outdoor activities during daylight or creating a warm atmosphere indoors, there are plenty of ways to make the most of this time of year. Embrace the changes November brings, and remember to look forward to the return of longer days and brighter evenings in the months to come. If you want a head torch to light up the path ahead of you during dark November evenings, check out our range of head torches.
