From a once-in-a-generation solar eclipse to a series of scorching heatwaves, it’s safe to say that the sun in London has put in a pretty solid shift this summer. But I come bearing some rather dreadful news for those of you who (like me) wish that it could be summer all year round. London’s last 8pm sunset of the year is fast-approaching. And – sorry to have to be the one to tell you – we are mere moments away from being plunged back into the dark, drab, and dreary months, folks.
Since April 17, thanks to the glorious power of daylight saving, we Londoners have been basking in post 8pm sunlight each and every day. But all that is – rather unfortunately – about to change.
According to data from Time and Date, the sun will go down at 8pm on the dot on August 26 (tomorrow). But on the following evening (Thursday, August 27), the sun will only be gracing us with its presence until 7.57pm. Can you believe it?
The daylight has been decreasing relatively rapidly since the summer solstice back in June, and London saw its final 9pm sunset of the year take place on July 24. From August 26, London will lose 2 minutes of daylight each day. And the final 7pm sunset of 2026 is set to take place on September 21, just two days before the Northern Hemisphere autumn equinox – but will cross that rather gloomy bridge when we get to it, hey?
For now, we still have plenty to look forward to. Despite the days getting shorter, the temperature is set to remain pretty balmy. And with a bank holiday to look forward to at the end of the month, it’s certainly not all bad.
