When does it get dark?

It doesn't get dark at a single instant at sunset — darkness falls gradually as the sun sinks further below the horizon. The time between sunset and true darkness is called twilight, and it is split into three phases. The times above are calculated for the reference city today; use “Use my location” for precise times for your own spot.

The three kinds of twilight

Astronomers divide twilight by how far the sun is below the horizon:

• Civil twilight — the sun is 0–6° below the horizon. There is still enough light to be outside without a lamp. When it ends (sun 6° down), it starts to feel dark and street lights come on. This is usually the moment people mean when they ask “when does it get dark”.
• Nautical twilight — the sun is 6–12° below the horizon. The horizon can still be made out at sea, and the brightest stars are visible.
• Astronomical twilight — the sun is 12–18° below the horizon. When it ends (sun 18° down), the sky is fully dark and even faint stars and the Milky Way can be seen.

How long until it gets dark?

In the UK it typically takes 30–60 minutes after sunset for civil twilight to end and for it to feel dark. The further north you go and the closer to the summer solstice, the longer twilight lasts. Around midsummer in northern Britain it never becomes astronomically dark — the sun doesn't reach 18° below the horizon, and the sky stays faintly lit all night.

In winter it happens faster: the sun dives steeply below the horizon, so less time passes from sunset to full darkness. See also when is it lightest and the year chart for how light changes through the year.

Frequently asked questions

When does it get dark today?

It starts to feel dark when civil twilight ends — the time shown at the top of the page for the reference city. Use “Use my location” for your own spot.

What's the difference between sunset and dark?

At sunset the sun drops below the horizon, but it is still light. Only once the sun is at least 6° below the horizon (civil twilight ends) does it begin to get dark.

Why doesn't it get fully dark in summer?

Close to the summer solstice the sun doesn't reach 18° below the horizon at night in much of the UK, so astronomical darkness is never reached and the sky stays faintly lit.