Utqiagvik, Alaska, Begins 64 Days of Polar Night — No Sunlight Until January 2026

America’s northernmost town enters its annual period of darkness, with only dim civil twilight lighting the skies.

The town of Utqiagvik, Alaska (formerly Barrow) has entered its annual polar night, where the sun will not rise for the next 64 days.
This phenomenon is caused by the tilt of the Earth’s axis, leaving the sun below the horizon due to Utqiagvik’s high latitude (around 71°N).
Despite the lack of direct sunlight, residents will still experience a few hours of civil twilight — that pale blue light seen just before dawn or after dusk.

With no daytime heating from the sun, temperatures are expected to plummet sharply, making the polar night a serious test of endurance.
The polar night also contributes to the polar vortex, a swirl of cold air over the Arctic that sometimes drives frigid air south.
Utqiagvik’s rich cultural heritage extends back centuries, with archaeological sites dating to about 500 CE, showing the long history of human life in extreme conditions.
The town is small — roughly 4,400 residents — and has adapted well to these extreme seasonal cycles.

Even though the sun is gone, Utqiagvik isn’t plunged into total blackout. Civil twilight provides enough light for basic daytime activities.
The community is resilient: people continue with daily routines, using natural low light, moon brightness, and sometimes the aurora borealis to navigate their surroundings.