A Town Where the Sun Barely Rises in December
High above the Arctic Circle lies Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Canada a place where winter days can feel like eternal night. In December, this northern town experiences one of the shortest days on Earth. The sun rises just before 1:00 PM and sets around 2:30 PM, leaving residents with only about 91 minutes of daylight before darkness returns.
This phenomenon happens because of Inuvik’s location deep in the Arctic. During the winter solstice, the tilt of the Earth causes the sun to barely peek above the horizon. What little daylight appears comes in soft pastel colors pinks, blues, and oranges that paint the snowy landscape in dreamlike tones.
Sunrise at Noon, Sunset Before Afternoon
For most of the world, sunrise marks the beginning of a long, busy day. But in Inuvik during December, the sun makes its brief appearance right after lunchtime. By the time locals are finishing a cup of tea or heading back to work, the sun is already preparing to set.
Temperatures during this period can fall as low as –34°C, adding to the surreal atmosphere. Instead of bright, overhead sunlight, the horizon glows with a golden shimmer that never climbs too high. One resident captured this rare light with a drone, photographing the same spot throughout the entire 91 minutes. The final images show the sun gently sliding sideways across the horizon instead of rising high above it.
Life in Near-Constant Darkness
Living with less than two hours of daylight may sound difficult, but the people of Inuvik have learned to embrace it. The community hosts winter festivals, decorates homes and streets with colorful lights, and brings warmth to the season through culture and tradition.
Shops, schools, and businesses adjust to the unique daylight cycle. Residents rely heavily on artificial lighting, vitamin D supplements, and community gatherings to keep spirits high. For many, the long nights are a chance to slow down, reflect, and enjoy time indoors with family and friends.
The Opposite Extreme: The Midnight Sun
As harsh as the winter may seem, summer in Inuvik offers the complete opposite. From late May until late July, the sun never sets at all. This is the famous “Midnight Sun”, when daylight stretches across all 24 hours. People enjoy outdoor sports at midnight, children play outside long past bedtime, and life takes on a surreal rhythm where time feels almost irrelevant.
This cycle months of near-darkness followed by weeks of endless daylightis part of what makes Inuvik such a fascinating and unique place to live or visit.
A Rare Glimpse Into Earth’s Extremes
Few places on Earth showcase the power of nature as vividly as Inuvik. From 91 minutes of pale winter sunlight to round-the-clock summer brightness, the town reminds us of the planet’s vast diversity.
For travelers, Inuvik offers not just stunning Arctic landscapes but also a deeper appreciation of how people adapt to extreme environments. Whether standing under the glowing northern lights in December or watching the midnight sun in June, visitors leave with an experience that feels otherworldly yet beautifully human.