Alabama Expected To Gain Over 30 Minutes Of Daylight By January 31 As Mornings And Evenings Grow Brighter

ALABAMA — Residents across Alabama will see a noticeable boost in daylight over the next few weeks, with the state expected to gain more than 30 minutes of additional daylight by January 31. Meteorologists say both earlier sunrises and later sunsets will contribute to the steady increase, signaling the gradual seasonal climb toward spring.

How Much Daylight Each Region Will Gain

A new outlook from WVTM 13 shows that daylight gains will vary slightly across the state, but all regions will see meaningful improvement.

By the end of January:

• Northern Alabama, including Huntsville, will gain around 36 minutes of daylight
• Central Alabama, including Birmingham, will gain about 34 minutes
• Southeastern counties, including Montgomery, will gain around 32 minutes
• Southern Alabama and the Gulf Coast, including Mobile, will gain approximately 31 minutes

The gains come primarily from sunsets shifting later — by about 26 minutes, with sunset in Birmingham expected to move to 5:17 p.m. by the end of the month. Sunrises will also trend earlier, bringing brighter mornings across much of the state.

Why Daylight Is Increasing

As the Earth continues its annual position shift after the winter solstice, Alabama begins receiving more direct sunlight each day. Although January often remains seasonally cold, daylight increases play an important role in improving morning visibility, extending outdoor time, and boosting overall morale during the heart of winter.

These daylight gains also help balance earlier periods of limited sunlight that can affect mood, safety, and daily routines.

What Residents Can Expect

With more daylight:

• Evening commutes will become brighter and safer
• Morning routines may feel less rushed in the dark
• Outdoor workers and school schedules benefit from improved visibility
• Residents may notice a gradual boost in energy and mood thanks to increased sunlight exposure

Meteorologists note that while the weather may still fluctuate, the daylight trend will continue upward through spring, providing a reliable sign of seasonal progress. Stay connected with SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com for ongoing weather updates, community alerts, and daily news impacting residents across the region.