Chicago Hits Daylight Milestones Despite Frigid Temperatures

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Despite the continued frigid temperatures in Chicago, the city is hitting some key daylight milestones this month. On Tuesday, the sun set after 5 p.m. for the first time since daylight saving time ended in early November. This Friday, Chicago will see more than 10 hours of daylight for the first time since November 11. The city will continue to gain daylight in the coming weeks, with daylight saving time beginning on March 8 and over 12 hours of daylight by March 16, before the official start of spring on March 20.

Why it matters

These daylight milestones are an encouraging sign that spring is approaching, even if the temperatures outside still feel wintry. As the days get longer, it signals the gradual transition to warmer weather and the start of the spring season, which is welcomed by many Chicagoans after the long, cold winter.

The details

According to Sunrise-Sunset.org, Tuesday marked the first time since early November that the sun set after 5 p.m. in Chicago. This Friday, the city will see more than 10 hours of daylight for the first time since November 11. The days will continue to grow longer in the coming weeks, with daylight saving time beginning on March 8 and Chicago exceeding 12 hours of daylight a few days later on March 16, before the official start of spring on March 20.

• On January 28, the sun set after 5 p.m. in Chicago for the first time since early November.
• On January 31, Chicago will see more than 10 hours of daylight for the first time since November 11.
• Daylight saving time will begin on March 8, 2026.
• On March 16, 2026, Chicago will exceed 12 hours of daylight.
• Spring officially begins on March 20, 2026 at 9:59 a.m.