Shortdays

Shortdays is a non-technical, colloquial term used to describe periods of the year when available daylight is unusually limited. In common usage, it refers to the winter months in mid- and high-latitude regions, where the photoperiod can be several hours shorter than in summer. The term does not have a fixed scientific definition and is not widely adopted in meteorology or astronomy. Instead, daylight length is measured by the photoperiod, the time between sunrise and sunset for a given location and date.

Usage and measurement. Shortdays vary by latitude and year; at 60 degrees north, winter daylight may be around six to seven hours on the shortest days, with progressively shorter days toward higher latitudes. At lower latitudes, days remain longer, but the term may still be used informally to describe the feeling of reduced daylight during late fall and winter. The concept is inherently relative, tied to local climate and cultural expectations rather than a universal threshold.

Impact and culture. Shortdays can influence mood, energy levels, and daily routines, and they shape architecture, urban lighting, and agricultural practices in affected regions. Many communities mark seasonal transitions around the solstice with festivals, traditions, or practical adjustments to cope with longer indoor periods and extended evening hours.

Notes. The term’s usage is informal and varies by community. Some people define shortdays as any period with daylight under a chosen threshold, while others use it poetically to describe the seasonal ambiance of winter. See also photoperiod, circadian rhythm, winter solstice, and daylight saving time.