When does Spring start 2023? When do days start getting longer in the UK? Who gets more daylight?

Days will now start getting longer following the passing of the Winter Solstice which fell on Wednesday, December 21.
Thomas Mackay
By Thomas Mackay
Published 22nd Dec 2022, 09:54 BST
Updated 6th Jan 2023, 12:45 BST
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Now that the Winter Solstice - the shortest day of the year - has passed in 2022 the days will slowly become lighter again. The ‘darkest day’ of the Winter Solstice marked the start of the winter season (according to the astronomical calendar) and in our ancient past it was celebrated with rituals and other festivities during ‘Yule’ which was like the original Christmas in Scotland.

Many such customs commemorated the rebirth of nature as the days grew in length and that is no exception to this day as we still await the extra daylight with bated breath. So, here’s when the lighter nights will return and when to expect sunset in the upcoming days as we enter 2023.

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When does Spring start 2023?

The Winter Solstice fell on Wednesday, December 21, now the days will gradually become lighter until the Summer Solstice of 2023.The Winter Solstice fell on Wednesday, December 21, now the days will gradually become lighter until the Summer Solstice of 2023.
The Winter Solstice fell on Wednesday, December 21, now the days will gradually become lighter until the Summer Solstice of 2023.

According to the Met Office, Spring will start on Monday, March 20 in the UK. The season will end on Wednesday, June 21.

What time is sunrise?

According to the Time and Date website, sunrise in Edinburgh occurred on Thursday, December 29, at 8.44am.

A month from now, on January 29, the sunrise will occur at 8.13am.

On a clear day in summer, the Shetland Islands can receive as many as 19 hours of sunlight in one single day.On a clear day in summer, the Shetland Islands can receive as many as 19 hours of sunlight in one single day.
On a clear day in summer, the Shetland Islands can receive as many as 19 hours of sunlight in one single day.

When does it start getting lighter?

The Winter Solstice took place on Wednesday, December 21, which means from December 22 onwards the UK will gradually experience more daylight, meaning sunnier mornings and brighter evenings which last longer. This gradual increase in daylight will occur incrementally until June 21, 2023, which marks the Summer Solstice which is the longest day of the year.

What time is the sunset after the Winter Solstice?

According to the Time and Date website, on the date of the Winter Solstice the sun set in Edinburgh at 3.40pm (meaning this region of Scotland had less than 7 hours of daylight that day). Other regions like Shetland