What is the "polar night" in Utqiaġvik, Alaska?

The "polar night" is an annual event in Utqiaġvik, Alaska, where the town experiences 66 days of complete darkness due to its high northern latitude.

How do the residents of Utqiaġvik cope with the polar night?

Residents of Utqiaġvik, such as local schoolteacher Robin Reeves, stay connected with the community, engage in activities like board games, and take vitamin D supplements to combat the lack of sunlight during the polar night.

How does Utqiaġvik celebrate the return of the sun after the polar night?

The Utqiaġvik community celebrates the return of the sun with a special "welcome back the sun" dance, where each culture is encouraged to celebrate in its own way. Reeves says the first sunrise after the polar night is a joyous occasion for her.

Home / Weather / Alaskan Town Prepares for 66 Days of Polar Night

Alaskan Town Prepares for 66 Days of Polar Night

17 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Utqiaġvik, Alaska experiences 24-hour darkness for 66 days each year
Residents bundle up as temperatures plummet to single digits
Community comes together to celebrate the return of the sun

Alaskan Town Prepares for 66 Days of Polar Night

Utqiaġvik, Alaska, the northernmost town in the United States, is preparing for its annual "polar night" where residents will experience 66 days of complete darkness. As of November 17, 2025, the sun will set at around 1:36 PM on November 18 and not rise again until 1:23 PM on January 23.

Located some 320 miles within the Arctic Circle, Utqiaġvik's high northern latitude means the town experiences this extended period of darkness each winter as the Earth tilts away from the sun. The approximately 4,300 residents will bundle up as temperatures plummet to single digits on numerous days during this time.

Local schoolteacher Robin Reeves, who has lived in Utqiaġvik for several years, emphasizes the importance of staying connected with the community to survive the polar night. She and her friends engage in activities like board games to keep themselves occupied. Reeves also takes a vitamin D supplement to combat the lack of sunlight.