New Yorkers, brace yourselves—your post-work sunlight hours are about to get much shorter. The city will witness its last sunset after 6 PM in 2025 on Saturday, October 25. From the following day, the sun will dip below the horizon before 6 PM, marking the start of darker evenings that will persist until spring next year. By Sunday, November 2, the sun will set at 4:50 PM, a full hour earlier overnight, thanks to the end of Daylight Saving Time (DST). This seasonal shift affects daily life in the city, from commuting patterns to outdoor activities, and can also influence mood as daylight hours diminish.
Why sunsets are getting earlier and what daylight saving time means
Daylight Saving Time (DST) is the system of moving clocks forward by one hour in the spring and back by one hour in the autumn. Introduced over a century ago during World War I as a fuel-saving measure, it was later standardised across the United States under the Uniform Time Act of 1966. The goal is to make better use of daylight during the evenings, giving people longer hours for work, shopping, recreation, and other activities. While DST aims to save energy, research shows the benefits are limited, and the clock changes can disrupt sleep and affect daily routines.Here’s how it works in practice:Spring forward: In spring, clocks are moved one hour ahead. For example, if the sun would normally rise at 6 AM and set at 6 PM, the clock now shows 7 AM sunrise and 7 PM sunset. The daylight hasn’t changed—the sun is in the same position—but our daily schedule shifts so evenings feel brighter.Fall back: In autumn, clocks are moved one hour back. Using the same example, sunrise is now at 5 AM and sunset at 5 PM by the clock. Daylight in the evening ends sooner according to the clock, even though the sun continues its normal path. This is why, after DST ends in November, New Yorkers notice much earlier sunsets.From late October onward, residents gradually lose a few minutes of daylight each day. By the winter solstice on December 21, the shortest day of the year, the city will see only 9 hours and 15 minutes of daylight, with the sun setting at 4:31 PM. The combination of earlier nights and colder weather contributes to the familiar sensation of shorter, darker days. For some, it can also affect mood and energy levels, a phenomenon commonly referred to as seasonal affective disorder.
When will the sun be back after 6 PM
The gradual increase in daylight begins after the winter solstice. However, New Yorkers will not experience another sunset after 6 PM until March 9, 2026, the first day of Daylight Saving Time next year. Until then, evenings will remain short, making it important to enjoy natural light whenever possible. Planning outdoor activities during daylight hours, taking walks in the afternoon sun, and maintaining regular routines can help offset the effects of early nightfall. Go to Source