In northern Canada, communities face prolonged periods of darkness as they enter the polar night, lasting until 2026. This natural phenomenon affects regions situated above the Arctic Circle, where the sun doesn’t rise for extensive stretches, often for weeks or months. The northernmost areas experience the longest durations of this sunless condition.
Understanding the Polar Night
The polar night occurs annually during the winter months for locations north of the Arctic Circle. During this time, the sun remains hidden beneath the horizon for over 24 hours, resulting in continuous nighttime. For residents, this can lead to several weeks or even months without natural daylight. The intensity and length of this darkness depend on how close a community is to the North Pole.
Current Conditions in Arctic Communities
As the winter progresses, various communities in northern Canada are entering this dark season.
- Alert, Nunavut: Entered polar night on October 14, 2025, and will not see the sun until February 27, 2026.
- Resolute, Nunavut: Began its polar night on November 5, 2025.
Upcoming Polar Night Dates
As November transitions into December, more communities will join this seasonal phenomenon. The following dates mark significant last sunrises for these areas:
- Tuktoyaktuk, Yukon: Last sunset on November 28, 2025.
- Inuvik, Yukon: Last sunset occurring on December 5, 2025; this community will endure a month of darkness.
As these Arctic communities face the duration of the polar night, residents adapt to the unique challenges presented by this lengthy absence of sunlight. The journey into darkness impacts both daily activities and the mental well-being of those living in these remote zones.
