What’s this? England’s forever rain has finally stopped, and in the midst of a Fool’s Spring, there’s an unusually bright, glowing orb hovering above us, bringing warmth, light, and happiness—how weird. The sunshine couldn’t have come at a better time because Bristol’s first 6pm sunset of the year is happening this week!
Get ready for evening strolls around the harbour, outdoor dining at our favourite restaurants, beach trips and BBQs, and everything else long days of summer have to offer. Bristol will experience its first 2026 sunset after 6pm on Saturday, March 7 (technically occurring at 18:01).
We haven’t experienced a sunset that late in Bristol since October 23, 2025—a time before Halloween, Christmas and New Year’s Eve—and won’t again that early until October 23, 2026. To put it in context, that’s seven glorious, sun-filled months until the next Bristol sunset earlier than 6pm.
When do the clocks change?
For those wondering how long we now have to wait for a 7pm or 8pm sunset, worry not, because it’s not very far away. Thanks to a combined effort from the Earth’s axis tilt and Daylight Saving Time, on March 29, the sun will set at 7.38PM, before an 8pm sunset arrives a couple of weeks later on April 11.
Another key sunshine date you should be made aware of is March 18, the first day of the year with more sunshine than nighttime (lasting 12 hours and 2 minutes). The first 9pm sunset of 2026 (with days lasting for over 16 hours) arrives on May 19, while the longest day of the year (summer solstice) is on June 21.
But let’s not wish away the time yet. There are 231 sunsets after 6pm in 2026, and I’m planning on enjoying every single one of them. So, find your nearest westerly-facing hill, roof garden, beach or wherever, and soak it all up!
