When Will Mornings Get Lighter?: Your Guide to Morning Daylight Changes

Mornings start to get lighter after the winter solstice, which typically falls around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere. This solstice marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year. From this point onward, most regions will notice, little by little, the sun rising slightly earlier each day and setting a bit later. However, the progression isn’t instantly noticeable. In many places, mornings may still seem dark until late January or early February due to the “equation of time” and the tilt of the Earth’s axis, which means sunrise times are still fairly late even as sunset times get later first. The exact date that mornings start to noticeably lighten depends on your geographical location and time zone. If you wish to make the most of early morning light in your living spaces, it’s a good idea to think about how natural light affects your daily activities and room utilization. As a designer, I often suggest strategically placing your furniture and choosing lighter color palettes to reflect and amplify any incoming light—these steps can make winter mornings feel brighter even before sunrise times shift significantly. And, if you’re considering more significant changes, utilizing a 3D floor planner can help you reimagine how to best optimize natural light flow throughout your home.

Tips 1:

Track sunrise and sunset times specific to your city using online tools or smartphone apps. Updating window treatments, incorporating mirrors, and positioning workspaces closer to east-facing windows can help you maximize every bit of morning light as the days lengthen.

FAQ

Q: When will mornings noticeably get lighter in the US?

A: In most US locations, mornings slowly get lighter after late December, but the change is more apparent from late January onwards.

Q: Why do sunsets get later before sunrises get earlier?

A: This is due to the Earth’s elliptical orbit and axial tilt, causing asymmetry in the lengthening of daylight. Sunsets become later before sunrises start to get significantly earlier.

Q: Does daylight saving time affect morning light?

A: Yes. When clocks “spring forward,” mornings become darker for a while before gradually becoming lighter again.

Q: How can I make my interiors feel brighter in the mornings during winter?

A: Use light-colored wall paints, reflective surfaces like mirrors, and place seating near windows to catch any available sunlight.

Q: Are there design tools to help optimize natural light in my home?

A: Yes. Tools like 3D floor planners allow you to visualize and plan for improved daylight usage in your space.