As autumn sets in, one of the first things you notice is how quickly the evenings start drawing in. If you are heading out for a run after work, walking the dog, going fishing or simply spending more time outdoors, knowing what time it gets dark in October helps you plan ahead.

In the UK, sunset moves noticeably earlier throughout October. In London, for example, the sun sets at around 6:38pm on 1 October, falling to around 5:54pm by 20 October. After the clocks go back on the last Sunday of October, the change becomes even more obvious. On 31 October, sunset is around 4:35pm in London.

The exact time varies across the UK, so the further north you are, the earlier you will generally lose daylight.

For anyone who spends time outdoors, October is also the point where a reliable torch or head torch stops being something you occasionally carry and becomes part of your regular kit.

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

Sunset gets earlier throughout October as the Northern Hemisphere moves further into autumn. The change is gradual at first, then becomes much more noticeable when the clocks go back.

The table below gives an example of how sunset changes through October in London in 2026:

These times are for London, so they should not be treated as exact sunset times for the whole of UK. Locations further west or north can have different sunset times, and the difference becomes more noticeable as you travel across the country.

The important thing is how quickly the usable daylight disappears. At the start of October, you may still have some daylight after finishing work. By the end of the month, the same journey home, dog walk or evening run may be taking place in darkness.

Why does it get dark so much earlier in October?

The shorter evenings are caused by the changing position of the Earth in relation to the Sun.

As autumn progresses, the Northern Hemisphere receives fewer hours of direct sunlight. The Sun also follows a lower path across the sky, reducing the amount of daylight we get.

You will notice the change much more quickly in October than earlier in the year. At the start of the month, you might still have enough daylight for an after-work walk or run. By the end of the month, the same activity could take place entirely in darkness.

The clocks changing also makes a big difference.

When do the clocks go back in October?

The clocks go back in the UK on Sunday 25 October 2026.

At 2am, the clocks move back to 1am and British Summer Time ends. The UK then returns to Greenwich Mean Time.

This is why the difference in sunset time looks so dramatic around 25 October. On 24 October, sunset in London is around 5:48pm. On 25 October, it is around 4:46pm by the clock.

The clock change itself does not suddenly make the day shorter. It simply moves an hour of daylight from the evening to the morning on the clock. The natural amount of daylight continues to decrease as autumn progresses.

For anyone who spends time outdoors after work, this is usually the point in the year when having a reliable torch becomes much more useful.

What's the difference between sunset and darkness?

Sunset and complete darkness are not the same thing.

Sunset is when the Sun drops below the horizon. After that, there is still natural light during twilight. How much usable light you have depends on the time, weather, cloud cover, surrounding buildings, trees and the environment you are in.

A route through a well-lit town may still be easy to navigate after sunset. A woodland trail or open field can feel dark much sooner.

That's particularly important when planning outdoor activities. If you know you will still be walking, running or fishing after sunset, it makes sense to take a suitable light rather than waiting until the route is completely dark.

October sunset times mean more time outdoors in the dark

Earlier sunsets do not mean you have to stop doing the things you enjoy.

It simply changes the equipment you need.

A good torch gives you the light to continue walking, running, fishing, hiking or working outdoors when natural light has disappeared. The important thing is choosing a light that suits the activity.

A runner has different requirements from an angler. Someone walking the dog around the local park does not necessarily need the same output as someone crossing an unlit trail.

Here is where I would start.

Best torch for running in October

If you normally run in the evening, the shorter October days can quickly turn a daylight run into a night run.

A head torch for running keeps both hands free and puts the light where you need it. For road running, weight and stability are particularly important because you don't want a heavy light bouncing around while you move.

The Ledlenser NEO1R is a compact rechargeable running head torch with a maximum output of 250 lumens and a lightweight design. It is suited to runners who want a small light for regular evening training.

For more demanding routes, a higher-output running head torch can give you greater visibility across darker paths and trails.

If you're unsure what type of running light you need, our running head torch guide covers the differences between road, trail and ultra running lights, including brightness, beam pattern, fit and battery considerations.

Best torch for October dog walks

Dog walking is another activity that quickly moves into darkness during October.

If your usual walk takes you through parks, fields, woodland or unlit country lanes, a torch can make a big difference. You need enough light to see the ground, keep an eye on your dog and remain visible to other people using the same route.

Many dog walkers will prefer a head torch because it leaves both hands free for the lead, treats, waste bags and anything else you need during the walk.

A compact head torch such as the HF4R CORE is designed for everyday use, with spot and flood lighting, a red light and IP68 protection. It provides up to 500 lumens.

For more demanding countryside walks, a higher-output head torch or a handheld torch can make more sense.

The P7R Core, for example, provides up to 1,400 lumens and has an adjustable beam that can move between a wider flood and a more focused beam. That makes it useful when you need to light the ground close to your feet and then look further along a dark path.

If you are unsure whether a head torch or handheld torch is better for your usual dog walk, read our guide Head Torch vs. Handheld Torch: Which Is Better for Evening Dog Walks?

We also have a dedicated guide to How to Choose the Right Torch for Dog Walking, covering brightness, beam type and the features worth considering before buying.

Best torch for fishing after dark

October is also an important month for anglers who fish into the evening.

As the sun sets earlier, you can find yourself setting up, moving around the bank and handling equipment in darkness much sooner than you did during summer.

Fishing requires a slightly different approach to choosing a torch.

You do not necessarily need the brightest light possible. Being able to control the brightness and beam is often more useful, particularly around water where a powerful white beam can reflect off the surface.

A rechargeable handheld torch such as the P7R Core gives you adjustable output from 15 to 1,400 lumens, together with a focused or wider beam. Its IP68 protection also makes it suitable for demanding outdoor conditions.

For hands-free lighting, the Ledlenser range also includes high-output head torches designed for outdoor use.

Our Practical Guide to Choosing the Right Torch for Fishing After Dark covers the features that matter when you are fishing through the night, including brightness, beam control, battery life and water resistance.

You can also browse the dedicated fishing torch range if you want a light specifically suited to night fishing and waterside use.

Best head torch for autumn walks and hiking

October is one of the best times of year for walking, but the shorter days mean you can easily finish a route after sunset.

A head torch is particularly useful if you regularly walk on trails, in woodland or across open countryside. It keeps both hands free and lets the beam move with your head, which is useful when checking the path, looking for signs or navigating uneven ground.

For everyday outdoor use, the HF6R offers up to 900 lumens and rechargeable power.

If you need more output for longer or darker routes, the HF7R reaches up to 1,200 lumens and uses an Adaptive Light Beam and Digital Advanced Focus System. It is designed for demanding outdoor and sporting activities as well as professional use.

For wet autumn conditions, it is also worth paying attention to the torch's IP rating rather than looking at lumens alone.

A bright torch is not much use if it is not suited to the conditions you regularly use it in.

Best head torch for Autumn camping

If you're camping in October, you'll probably want more than one type of light.

A head torch is useful when you are moving around after dark, preparing food or finding your way around the campsite. A lantern is better when you need to illuminate an entire tent, table or campsite.

The Ledlenser ML6 is a rechargeable lantern that provides up to 750 lumens of glare-free illumination. It can stand on a surface, hang from a hook or attach magnetically, and also works as a 3,200mAh power bank.

That makes it useful when you want wider area lighting rather than a focused beam.

Do you need a torch before it gets completely dark?

Often, yes.

This is particularly true when you are walking or running somewhere without street lighting.

Once the Sun has set, visibility can fall quickly. Even during the period of twilight, trees, buildings and hills can make a route feel much darker than the official sunset time suggests.

I would not plan an outdoor activity around the exact minute of sunset and assume you will have plenty of usable light afterwards.

If you know you will still be outside after sunset, take a torch with you.

How to choose a torch for darker October evenings

Once you're regularly using a torch after sunset, there are a few things worth considering beyond the maximum lumen figure.

Brightness and lumens

Lumens tell you how much light a torch produces, but they don't tell you everything about how useful that light will be.

A lower-output torch may be perfectly adequate for a lit pavement or familiar dog-walking route. A darker trail may require more output and greater beam distance.

For that reason, don't choose a torch purely because it has the highest lumen figure.

Beam pattern

Beam shape can make a big difference.

A wide flood beam is useful when you need to see the ground immediately around you. A focused beam is more useful when you need to see further ahead.

For running and hiking, having the right balance between near and far visibility can be more useful than simply increasing brightness.

Runtime and charging

Think about how long your activity normally lasts.

A torch that gives a very high maximum output for a short period may not be the right choice for a three-hour hike or an evening fishing session. Check the runtime for the modes you are actually likely to use.

Rechargeable torches are convenient for regular use because you can top them up between activities. If you're heading somewhere without easy access to power, battery type and runtime become even more important.

Weather resistance

October weather in the UK can change quickly. Rain, wet paths and muddy conditions are all common reasons to pay attention to water resistance.

Don't just look for the word "waterproof". Check the torch's actual IP rating and understand what it means.

Our guide to IP ratings for torches explains ratings such as IP44, IP67 and IPX8 and what they mean in practical terms.

Which type of light suits your activity?

There isn't one torch that is right for every October activity.

The best choice is the one that matches how you actually use it.

A lightweight running head torch makes sense for regular evening training. A compact head torch can be more convenient for dog walking. A focused handheld torch can be useful when fishing or checking a longer stretch of path. For camping, a lantern can provide the wider illumination that a torch cannot.

Make October evenings easier with the right light

So, what time does it get dark in October?

In the UK, sunset moves from roughly early evening at the start of October to late afternoon by the end of the month. In London, sunset is around 6:38pm on 1 October and around 4:35pm on 31 October in 2026, with the clocks going back on 25 October.

That is a significant change over just one month.

If you run after work, walk the dog in the evening, fish into the night, hike at weekends or spend time camping, October is a good point to check the lighting you already have.

A lightweight running head torch might be all you need for a regular road run. A higher-output head torch can make more sense for a dark trail. A focused handheld torch can be useful for dog walking or fishing, while a lantern is the better choice when you need to light an entire campsite or outdoor area.

The important thing is to match the light to how you actually use it.

Browse the full range of Ledlenser UK torches, head torches and lanterns and choose the lighting you need for darker autumn evenings.

Frequently asked questions

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

Sunset varies by location and date. In London, it is around 6:38pm at the start of October 2026 and around 4:35pm by 31 October. Other parts of the UK will have different sunset times.

What time does it get dark in London in October?

In London, sunset is around 6:38pm on 1 October 2026, around 5:56pm on 20 October and around 4:35pm on 31 October. The clocks go back on 25 October, which shifts sunset to around 4:46pm by the clock on that date.

When do the clocks go back in 2026?

The clocks go back on Sunday 25 October 2026. At 2am, they move back to 1am and the UK returns from British Summer Time to Greenwich Mean Time.

Do I need a torch before sunset?

Not necessarily, but it depends on where you are going. A route with street lighting may remain easy to navigate around sunset, while woodland, fields and unlit trails can become difficult to see much earlier. If you know you will still be outdoors after sunset, taking a torch is sensible.

How many lumens do I need for an October evening walk?

There isn't one correct lumen figure. A torch for a well-lit pavement does not need the same output as one used on an unlit trail. Beam pattern, runtime and how far you need to see can be just as important as maximum brightness.

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

A head torch has the advantage of keeping both hands free, which can be useful when holding a lead. A handheld torch can give you more flexibility when directing the beam. The right option depends on your route and how you prefer to walk.

What should I look for in a fishing torch?

For fishing after dark, look for adjustable brightness, useful beam control, reliable battery life and suitable water resistance. A high maximum lumen figure isn't necessarily the most important feature.

Are rechargeable torches suitable for autumn?

Yes. Rechargeable torches can be particularly convenient if you're using them regularly for evening walks, running or outdoor activities. Just make sure the runtime suits the activity and that you can recharge the torch when needed.

Is a lantern better than a torch for camping?

They have different jobs. A torch or head torch is better when you are moving around, while a lantern provides wider area lighting around a tent, campsite or outdoor table. For autumn camping, having both can be useful.