Winter Solstice Arrives: Longer Days Ahead for Tacoma

The winter solstice arrives on Sunday, December 21st, at 7:03 a.m. Pacific Time, marking the shortest day of the year and signaling the official start of longer daylight hours for Tacoma and South Sound. As the sun reaches its lowest point in the sky, residents can anticipate a gradual increase in sunlight in the coming days.

Weather conditions accompanying the solstice are mixed. The National Weather Service forecasts chilly temperatures in the mid-40s with scattered rain and breezes for the lowlands around Puget Sound. Mountain areas, including Snoqualmie and Stevens passes, could receive up to 2 feet of snow, with advisories issued for travel across the Cascades due to hazardous road conditions and existing closures.

The region continues to experience the impact of recent atmospheric rivers, though the worst appears to be over. Drizzly rain is expected to continue, with some rivers remaining under flood watch. Experts caution that persistently damp soils heighten the risk of landslides. Despite these immediate concerns, by January 1, 2026, sunset will occur at 4:30 p.m., and over nine hours of sunlight will be enjoyed by January 18th.