Toronto is officially turning a small but very meaningful corner in winter — the city is set to see its first 5 p.m. sunset of the year this week. And if you’re a nine-to-fiver who’s been leaving work in total darkness, this one hits different.

When is Toronto’s first 5 p.m. sunset?

According to Time and Date, Toronto will see the sun set at 5:00 p.m. starting January 10, 2026 — a simple milestone, but one that feels like a major win after weeks of gloomy winter afternoons.

A quick look back: Winter Solstice darkness

To put it in perspective, during the Winter Solstice (the shortest day of the year), Toronto’s sunset came early at 4:43 p.m., with sunrise at 7:47 a.m. That meant the day felt like it was over before it even started.

More evening light is on the way

The best part? This is just the beginning. As January pushes forward, Toronto’s sunsets will keep getting later:

• By January 31, 2026, sunset moves to 5:27 p.m.

• That’s nearly 45 extra minutes of evening daylight compared to late December

Even though the cold isn’t going anywhere yet, this extra light after work can seriously boost the city’s mood — more time to walk, run errands, hit the gym, or just exist outside without feeling like it’s midnight.

Why mornings still feel so dark

One catch: while sunsets start getting later shortly after the solstice, sunrises take longer to shift. That’s why mornings can still feel brutal for commuters.

But there’s good news there too — by the end of January, sunrise is expected around 7:35 a.m., which is at least a step in the right direction.

The little shift that feels like hope

Winter in Toronto isn’t close to being “over”… but longer days feel like a turning point. A 5 p.m. sunset might not change the temperature — but it definitely changes the vibe.

And honestly? After weeks of darkness, we’ll take every little win.