When Does the Windy City Go Dark? A Deep Dive into Chicago Evenings
The Eternal Question: What Time Does it Get Dark in Chicago in April?
Ah, Chicago in April. A time of rebirth, where the city sheds its winter coat and starts to flex those tourism muscles. But let's be real, the real question on everyone's mind is: when can I stop pretending to enjoy the outdoors and go back to Netflix?
Spoiler alert: It's later than you think.
Chicago, being the stubborn Midwestern city it is, likes to hold onto daylight for as long as possible. Think of it as a power play against the encroaching darkness. So while the rest of the country is snuggled up with a warm beverage by 7 PM, Chicagoans are still out there grilling, biking, or complaining about the lake breeze.
Daylight Saving Time: Nature’s Cruel Joke
To add insult to injury, Daylight Saving Time kicks in around this time, promising an extra hour of sunshine. But let’s be honest, that hour is usually spent trying to figure out if your clocks are an hour forward or backward.
The Science Behind the Sunset
For those of you who are more interested in the technicalities (we see you, future meteorologists), the exact time the sun dips below the horizon varies depending on the specific date in April. But let’s just say, you’re looking at anywhere between 8:00 PM and 8:30 PM.
So, if you’re planning a romantic picnic or an outdoor concert, aim for the late afternoon to early evening. And if you're one of those people who needs complete darkness to sleep, invest in some blackout curtains.
How to... Master the Chicago Sunset
- How to plan an outdoor event: Check the sunset time for your specific date. Aim to finish your event about an hour before sunset to enjoy the golden hour.
- How to take advantage of daylight: Embrace the long days by spending time outdoors, going for walks, or simply enjoying your balcony.
- How to prepare for early darkness: Have indoor activities planned for those evenings when the sun sets earlier.
- How to adjust your sleep schedule: If the late sunsets are messing with your sleep, try using blackout curtains or an eye mask.
- How to appreciate the beauty of twilight: Instead of dreading the darkness, take a moment to enjoy the stunning colors of the sky during twilight.
