This December, Portland residents will experience the shortest day of the year as winter approaches. On Sunday, December 21, the city will mark the Winter Solstice, a significant astronomical event.
The Shortest Day of the Year in Portland
The Winter Solstice occurs when the sun is positioned directly above the Tropic of Capricorn. This results in the North Pole tilting the most away from the sun. As a consequence, sunlight hours are notably reduced.
- Date: December 21
- Sunrise: 7:47 a.m.
- Sunset: 4:30 p.m.
- Total Daylight: 8 hours, 42 minutes, and 9 seconds
The weather may influence the actual amount of visible sunlight, depending on cloud cover. However, the day marks a turning point in daylight hours.
Looking Ahead to Longer Days
Following the Winter Solstice, Portland will slowly start to gain daylight. From December 22 onward, residents can expect an increase in sunlight minutes each day.
The longest day of the upcoming year will occur on Sunday, June 21, 2026. On that day, Portland will enjoy:
- Sunrise: 5:22 a.m.
- Sunset: 9:03 p.m.
- Total Daylight: 15 hours, 41 minutes, and 11 seconds
This gradual return of longer days brings anticipation as Portlanders move away from the early nightfall of winter. Embrace the changes in daylight as we transition into a new season.
