November is when the shorter days really start to affect your routine. You leave work and it is already getting dark, early morning runs begin before sunrise, and the evening dog walk often needs a torch.

In the UK, sunset gets noticeably earlier throughout November. At the start of the month, sunset is generally around 4:20pm to 4:40pm, depending on where you are. By the end of November, it can be closer to 3:30pm to 4:00pm, with northern parts of the UK becoming dark earlier.

That means a torch is no longer something you only take on a winter hike. For many people, it becomes an everyday essential for running, dog walking, fishing, commuting and getting around outside after work.

If you are replacing an old torch this autumn, November is also a good time to think about what you actually need from your next one.

When does the sun set in November?

Sunset times vary considerably across the UK because of latitude and your location within a time zone.

As a general guide:

These are useful averages rather than exact times for every location. Your local sunset can vary depending on where you live.

The important point is how quickly daylight disappears. By the end of November, you can be dealing with darkness well before the end of the working day.

What time does it actually get dark after sunset?

Sunset does not mean that the sky immediately becomes completely black.

There is still some natural light after the sun drops below the horizon. This is known as twilight, and the amount of usable visibility depends on the weather, surroundings and your location.

In an open area, you may still have enough ambient light to see for a short period after sunset. On a woodland path, rural lane or poorly lit pavement, it can feel much darker much sooner.

This is why I would not plan an evening run, dog walk or fishing trip around sunset alone.

If you know you will still be outside after sunset, having a torch with you gives you much more flexibility.

What type of torch do you need in November?

The best choice depends on what you are doing.

There is no single brightness level that works for every November activity. A torch for a short walk around a lit neighbourhood does not need the same output as one for running across a dark trail.

That is also why I would look at beam pattern, battery life, size, weather protection and how you will actually use the torch, rather than choosing purely on the highest lumen figure.

Best torches for November

Once the clocks have changed and evenings become darker, the type of torch you need becomes much more obvious.

If you are buying a new light this autumn, I would start with the newer models in the current Ledlenser range rather than automatically choosing an older favourite. There are now several 2026 head torches designed around different outdoor uses, as well as the new P7R 25th Anniversary Edition.

Best for running and active outdoor use: H7R Signature

The H7R Signature is a good option when November running means darker roads, paths or trails rather than well-lit pavements.

It produces up to 1,400 lumens in Boost mode and has a beam range of up to 370 metres. The Advanced Focus System lets you move from a wider flood beam to a focused beam, which is useful when you need to see both the ground immediately ahead and further along the route.

It is also IP67 rated and has a rear-mounted battery pack to help distribute the weight while wearing it.

For runners, I would still choose a model based on the route rather than simply buying the most powerful head torch. Our guide to the Best Running Head Torch goes into more detail on the difference between road running, trail running and more demanding routes.

Best for dog walking and fishing: HF7R Signature RGB

For November dog walks and fishing trips, the HF7R Signature RGB is particularly interesting because it combines high output with features designed for outdoor use.

It produces up to 1,300 lumens and has a beam range of up to 220 metres. The Digital Advanced Focus System allows the beam to be adjusted from flood to spot, while the RGB modes give you more flexibility when you do not always want to use a bright white beam.

The head torch format also leaves both hands free, which is useful when you are holding a dog lead, opening gates or working with fishing tackle.

If you are unsure whether a head torch or handheld torch would work better for your dog walks, our guide to Head Torch vs. Handheld Torch for Evening Dog Walks covers the practical differences between the two.

Best everyday head torch: H5R

Not everyone needs a 1,300 or 1,400-lumen head torch.

For everyday tasks, garden work, DIY and shorter outdoor trips, the new H5R provides up to 750 lumens and a beam range of up to 275 metres. Its Advanced Focus System allows you to adjust between flood and spot lighting, so you can use it for close-up jobs or direct more light further ahead.

It is the sort of head torch that can stay useful beyond November. Keep it charged and it is ready for everything from taking the bins out on a dark evening to working in the garden or walking around an unlit area.

Best powerful handheld torch: P7R 25th Anniversary Edition

If you prefer carrying a handheld torch rather than wearing a head torch, the new P7R 25th Anniversary Edition is one of the latest options in the range.

It delivers up to 2,000 lumens and a beam range of up to 320 metres in Boost mode. It is IP68 rated, uses USB-C charging and comes with two 21700 batteries.

The 25th Anniversary Edition also has a Mode Select Ring and a limited Dark Blue finish, along with a 25-year warranty when registered.

This makes it particularly useful when you want to scan a path ahead, check a field or light up a larger area during a November walk.

For everyday carrying, however, you may not need this much output. The right choice depends on how much darkness you regularly deal with.

Running after work or early in the morning

November can make running around your normal schedule much harder.

If you usually run after work, sunset can arrive before you have even changed and left the house. Early morning runners face the same problem in reverse.

For road and park running, a lightweight head torch is often the most practical option because you do not need to hold anything while running. On darker trails, you may want more output and greater beam distance so you have time to react to uneven surfaces, roots, puddles and changes in the path.

Our Best Running Head Torch UK: Road, Trail & Ultra Guide covers the NEO1R, NEO3, NEO5R and NEO9R and explains how your choice should change depending on where you run.

The important thing is not simply choosing the torch with the biggest lumen number. You need a light that stays secure while moving, gives you enough visibility for your route and has enough battery life for the distance you actually run.

Dog walking after dark

For dog owners, November can mean several weeks of evening walks in darkness.

A head torch works particularly well when you need both hands free for a lead, bags or opening gates. It also follows your line of sight, which means you can look down at the path or ahead towards your dog without constantly repositioning a handheld torch.

For darker rural walks, a handheld torch can add useful range. Some walkers prefer to carry both, using the head torch for general visibility and the handheld when they need to look further ahead.

If you regularly walk through woodland, fields or unlit lanes, it is also worth choosing a torch with good weather protection. November brings plenty of rain, mud and wet surfaces, so a light designed for outdoor conditions makes sense.

Fishing after dark in November

Fishing is another activity where the earlier sunset becomes very noticeable.

If you are setting up after work or staying out into the evening, a head torch is useful for close-up jobs because it leaves both hands free. You can use it for setting up tackle, changing rigs and handling equipment without having to hold a torch at the same time.

A handheld torch can then provide extra reach when you need to scan the bank or see further ahead.

For fishing, I would pay particular attention to beam control, battery life and water resistance rather than simply choosing the brightest torch available. A very bright beam is not always useful for close work, particularly around water.

Our Practical Guide to Choosing the Right Torch for Fishing After Dark goes into more detail on choosing between head torches and handheld models.

Walking and hiking in November

November walks can be some of the most rewarding times to get outside, but daylight hours are limited.

If you are heading out for a longer walk, check when sunset is expected before setting off and allow plenty of time for your route. Weather can also change quickly, particularly in exposed areas.

A head torch is useful when you want both hands free for walking poles or scrambling, while a handheld torch can give you more control over where you point the beam.

For wet routes, look for a torch with suitable water resistance. If you regularly walk in poor weather, our guide to the Best Waterproof Head Torches UK is useful when comparing options for rainy hikes, runs and outdoor work.

Looking for one torch for everyday use?

If you do not want a different torch for every activity, think about where you spend most of your time outdoors.

For many people, a rechargeable head torch makes sense because it can cover dog walking, DIY, garden jobs, walking and other hands-free tasks.

If you spend more time walking rural paths or want greater distance from a handheld torch, a model such as the P7R 25th Anniversary Edition gives you substantially more reach.

The best all-round torch is not necessarily the most powerful one. It is the one you will actually carry, can recharge easily and has the right combination of brightness, beam control, size and weather protection for your routine.

How bright should a torch be for November?

There is no universal lumen figure for November.

A torch used on a pavement with street lighting needs far less output than one used on a completely dark trail. Similarly, a fishing torch for changing a rig has a different job from one used to scan the far side of a lake.

As a rough guide:

• Urban walks and well-lit routes: lower output can be enough.
• Parks, woodland and darker paths: more output and useful beam control become important.
• Rural walking and hiking: greater beam distance can help you see hazards further ahead.
• Trail running: output, beam pattern and stability all matter because you are moving quickly.
• Fishing: adjustable brightness and beam control can be more useful than maximum output.

If you are comparing torches, do not stop at the lumen number. Look at how the light is distributed, how far it reaches, how long the battery lasts and whether the torch is comfortable to use.

Why October is a good time to replace your torch

If your current torch is starting to struggle, I would not wait until the middle of winter to replace it.

By October, you can already see how much your routine is going to change. Evening walks become darker, morning runs start before sunrise and outdoor jobs often need additional lighting.

Replacing a torch before November also means you have time to get used to the controls, charging routine and different light modes before relying on it regularly.

It is worth checking your existing torch now:

• Does the battery still hold its charge?
• Is the brightness still suitable for your usual routes?
• Is the beam strong enough for where you walk or run?
• Does it cope with rain?
• Is it comfortable enough to use for a full walk or run?
• Would a head torch make more sense for your routine?

If the answer to several of these is no, November is unlikely to make the problem any better.

When should you start carrying a head torch in autumn?

There is no specific date when you suddenly need a head torch.

I would start carrying one when your normal outdoor routine regularly extends beyond daylight. In many parts of the UK, that means September and October for early morning or evening activities, with November making it much more difficult to avoid.

It is particularly useful if you:

• Walk your dog after work
• Run before sunrise or after sunset
• Fish into the evening
• Walk on unlit paths
• Work outside
• Spend time in the garden after dark

A compact head torch is also easy to keep in a running bag, coat pocket or car, so you have it available when the light disappears earlier than expected.

FAQs

What time does it get dark in the UK in November?

Sunset varies by location, but it is generally around 4:20pm to 4:40pm at the beginning of November and around 3:30pm to 4:00pm towards the end of the month. Northern parts of the UK can see earlier sunsets.

When should I start carrying a torch in autumn?

If you regularly go outside early in the morning or after work, I would start carrying one from September or October. By November, darkness is likely to affect most evening outdoor activities.

How many lumens do I need for running or dog walking?

It depends on your surroundings. A lower output can be enough for lit streets, while darker parks, woodland, rural paths and trails need more useful illumination. Beam pattern and battery life are just as important as the maximum lumen figure.

Is a head torch or handheld torch better for dog walking?

A head torch keeps both hands free and directs light where you look, which makes it practical for everyday dog walks. A handheld torch can provide more control and reach on darker rural routes. Some walkers prefer to carry both.

November gets dark early, but you can still get outside

The clocks changing and earlier sunsets do not have to mean spending more time indoors.

Once you know roughly when darkness arrives in your area, it becomes much easier to plan your run, dog walk, fishing trip or evening walk.

The main thing is having the right light for the job. A lightweight running head torch makes sense for early morning training, a hands-free model can make dog walking easier, and a powerful handheld torch gives you extra reach when you are walking somewhere completely unlit.

And if your current torch is struggling to keep up with the darker evenings, November is a good reminder that it may be time for an upgrade.