After a colder-than-average start, Montrealers are poised to see a marked increase in daylight hours, with sunset shifting past 5:00 PM this weekend. The welcome change,arriving as January concludes,offers a psychological lift during the typically gray winter months and signals a turning point in the season. Beyond the city limits,other Quebec regions are also anticipating later sunsets,with a promising forecast for continued sunshine in the week ahead.
Published January 30, 2026 at 10:01 PM
Despite frigid temperatures, increasing daylight hours are offering a positive signal for the region.
In Brief:
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Sunset will occur after 5:00 PM in Montreal starting this Sunday;
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January is on track to finish with more sunshine than average;
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A bright week is forecast as February begins.
Passing the 5:00 PM Threshold
A significant psychological milestone will be reached this weekend. Starting Sunday, February 1st, the sun will set after 5:01 PM in the Montreal metropolitan area. This shift in daylight hours often coincides with the typical end of the workday, offering a tangible sense that winter is progressing and the darkest days are behind us.
Elsewhere in Quebec, similar milestones are being reached or are imminent. In Val-d’Or and Gatineau, sunset will occur after 5:10 PM this Sunday, while Quebec City (4:48 PM) and Gaspé (4:15 PM) will need to wait a bit longer for the extended daylight.
January’s Dramatic Turnaround
The month concluding today presented a tale of two halves. Following a mild and overcast start, the sun made a strong return in the latter portion of January, accompanied by a significant drop in temperatures. The increased sunshine is expected to push Montreal past its average January sunshine hours (101 hours), with Quebec City also projected to meet its normal levels.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Start to February
The favorable weather trend is expected to continue through the first week of February. While a minor low-pressure system or trough may pass through around Tuesday or Wednesday, the next seven days are forecast to be predominantly sunny. This extended period of sunshine could have a positive impact on local economies, potentially boosting retail activity and tourism as residents seek to enjoy the improved conditions.
