Earth logo

5 countries with the shortest daylight hours

The varying length of daylight

By Moharif YuliantoPublished about a year ago 3 min read
5 countries with the shortest daylight hours
Photo by Agê Barros on Unsplash

The length of daylight hours varies throughout the year due to the Earth's tilt on its axis and its orbit around the Sun. During the summer solstice, the Northern Hemisphere experiences the longest daylight hours, while the Southern Hemisphere experiences the shortest. Conversely, during the winter solstice, the Northern Hemisphere experiences the shortest daylight hours, and the Southern Hemisphere experiences the longest.

Here are the five countries with the shortest daylight hours during the winter solstice:

Australia: As the largest country in Oceania, Australia experiences the shortest daylight hours during the winter solstice. The country's southernmost regions, such as Tasmania, experience the least amount of daylight during this time.

New Zealand: Located in the Southern Hemisphere, New Zealand also experiences short daylight hours during the winter solstice. The country's southernmost island, Stewart Island, is one of the places with the least amount of daylight on Earth.

South Africa: South Africa, located at the southern tip of the African continent, experiences relatively short daylight hours during the winter solstice. The country's southernmost region, Cape Town, has some of the shortest daylight hours in the Southern Hemisphere.

Argentina: Argentina, a large country in South America, experiences varying daylight hours depending on its latitude. The southernmost regions, such as Tierra del Fuego, have the shortest daylight hours during the winter solstice.

Chile: Chile, another country in South America, also experiences short daylight hours during the winter solstice. The southernmost regions, such as Antarctica, have the least amount of daylight on Earth.

It's important to note that the exact length of daylight hours can vary slightly depending on the specific location within each country. Additionally, the definition of "shortest daylight hours" can be interpreted in different ways, such as the total amount of daylight or the amount of daylight above a certain elevation.

Beyond the five countries mentioned above, there are several other regions and countries that experience short daylight hours during the winter solstice. These include:

Antarctica: As the most southerly continent on Earth, Antarctica experiences the shortest daylight hours throughout the year. During the winter solstice, the continent is completely dark for several months.

Norway: While Norway is known for its long summer days, it also experiences short daylight hours during the winter solstice, particularly in its northern regions.

Sweden: Similar to Norway, Sweden experiences short daylight hours during the winter solstice, especially in its northern parts.

Finland: Finland, another Nordic country, also has short daylight hours during the winter solstice, particularly in its northern regions.

Iceland: Iceland, despite its long summer days, experiences relatively short daylight hours during the winter solstice.

The short daylight hours experienced in these countries and regions have a significant impact on their culture, lifestyle, and tourism. Many people visit these places to experience the unique phenomenon of the polar night, which creates a magical and unforgettable atmosphere. The short daylight hours also necessitate adaptations in daily life, such as adjusting to less sunlight and staying indoors more frequently.

In addition to the winter solstice, the length of daylight hours also varies throughout the year due to the Earth's orbit around the Sun. During the summer solstice, the Northern Hemisphere experiences the longest daylight hours, while the Southern Hemisphere experiences the shortest. The reverse is true during the spring and autumn equinoxes, when the length of daylight hours is approximately equal in both hemispheres.

The varying length of daylight hours has a profound impact on the Earth's climate and ecosystems. It affects the amount of sunlight that reaches the surface, which in turn influences temperature, precipitation, and plant growth. The changing length of daylight hours also plays a role in the migration patterns of animals and birds, as well as the seasonal rhythms of many species.

In conclusion, the length of daylight hours varies significantly across the globe, with the Southern Hemisphere experiencing the shortest daylight hours during the winter solstice. Several countries and regions, particularly those located in the far south, are renowned for their short daylight periods, which have a profound impact on their culture, lifestyle, and tourism. The varying length of daylight hours also plays a crucial role in the Earth's climate and ecosystems.

Humanity

About the Creator

Moharif Yulianto

a freelance writer and thesis preparation in his country, youtube content creator, facebook

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2026 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.