Most of us are used to a regular cycle of day and night—about 12 hours of sunlight and 12 hours of darkness. But in some places on Earth, nature doesn’t follow this usual pattern. There are cities where the sun barely sets, and when it does, it only stays down for a very short time. In these places, night can feel like just a blink, and the sky never really gets dark.
This unusual phenomenon happens because of the Earth’s tilt and its orbit around the sun. Near the polar regions, certain cities experience long periods of daylight during the summer months. Locals get used to the midnight sun, while visitors may find it hard to sleep with so much light. Here are seven cities around the world where night lasts only a short while—and daylight seems almost endless.
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Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø is one of the northernmost cities in Norway, located above the Arctic Circle. From mid-May to late July, the sun never really sets here. Even around midnight, the sky remains bright, creating a magical atmosphere known as the “midnight sun.”
During this period, people in Tromsø take full advantage of the extended daylight. Locals and tourists go hiking, kayaking, or just enjoy sitting outside in the middle of the night as if it were daytime. It’s a unique experience that makes the city a popular summer destination.
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Barrow (Utqiaġvik), Alaska, USA
Barrow, now officially known as Utqiaġvik, is the northernmost city in the United States. Between late May and late July, the sun stays above the horizon, and there’s no real night. Even after sunset hours, the sky remains light, and darkness doesn’t return for months.
This extreme daylight can be both exciting and challenging. Residents need to use blackout curtains to sleep well, and some people struggle to keep a regular routine. But many embrace the light, using it as a chance to stay outdoors longer and enjoy activities around the clock.
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Svalbard, Norway
Located far north between mainland Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard is a group of islands that sees nonstop sunlight from mid-April to mid-August. During this time, even at midnight, the sun is still shining brightly in the sky.
With such short nights—or none at all—life in Svalbard changes dramatically. Locals host festivals, go camping, and take part in all kinds of outdoor fun. The lack of darkness doesn’t bother most people here; instead, it adds to the special charm of this remote Arctic location.
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Reykjavik, Iceland
Although not as far north as other cities on this list, Reykjavik experiences very short nights during summer. In June, the sun sets just before midnight and rises again around 3 AM, but the sky never gets completely dark.
The city glows in soft light throughout the night, making summer evenings feel endless. People enjoy outdoor concerts, late-night swimming in hot springs, and lively festivals under the near-constant sun. It’s a time when the city feels alive 24 hours a day.
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Kiruna, Sweden
Kiruna is Sweden’s northernmost town and experiences the midnight sun from late May to mid-July. During these weeks, the sun doesn’t set, and even after the official “sunset,” the sky remains bright.
For locals, this period is filled with outdoor adventures. People go hiking in the mountains, fishing in lakes, and take part in cultural events. The short night—or lack of it—makes Kiruna a special place to visit in summer, offering a unique connection to nature.
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Murmansk, Russia
Murmansk is the largest city above the Arctic Circle. From late May to mid-July, the sun shines almost all day and night, with only brief moments of twilight that barely count as night.
This never-ending daylight boosts tourism and outdoor activity in Murmansk. Locals adapt by enjoying midnight walks, sports, and picnics without worrying about darkness. For many visitors, it’s strange at first, but soon becomes a memorable and joyful experience.
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Nuuk, Greenland
Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, has extremely short nights during summer. While the sun does set for a couple of hours, the sky stays lit with a soft glow, never becoming fully dark. From May to August, people experience only a few hours of twilight each day.
The city embraces its long days with cultural events and celebrations. Locals enjoy the natural light for as long as it lasts, knowing that the dark winter will return soon. Summer in Nuuk feels like one long, beautiful day that stretches on and on.