Greater Victoria will soon see sunrise after 9 a.m. for first time ever

Greater Victoria residents are about to experience something unusual this winter!

As BC enters its first winter without the traditional fall clock change, the sun will not rise until after 9 a.m. on some mornings.

With that, residents across Vancouver Island are being warned to prepare for significantly darker morning commutes.

In a public service announcement issued Monday, November 9th, Island Health urged drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to take extra precautions as daylight arrives later in the morning.

The warning comes as Greater Victoria approaches some of its latest sunrises of the year.

On December 21st, the shortest day of the year, sunrise in Victoria is expected at approximately 9:02 a.m., with sunset occurring around 5:21 p.m.

The latest sunrise will arrive near the end of December, when the sun won’t appear above the horizon until approximately 9:05 a.m.

It’s a noticeable change for residents who are accustomed to seeing daylight earlier in the morning during the winter months.

The shift follows BC’s decision to adopt permanent daylight saving time, officially known as Pacific Time (PCT), eliminating the twice-yearly clock changes.

Under the new system, clocks remained unchanged on November 1st instead of falling back an hour, resulting in later sunrises and sunsets throughout the winter.

While the change means an additional hour of daylight in the evening compared with the previous winter schedule, it also means many students and workers will begin their days before sunrise.

Island Health warns of increased risks

In its announcement Monday, Island Health said darker mornings can make it more difficult for drivers to spot pedestrians, cyclists and people using mobility devices, particularly at intersections and crosswalks.

The health authority noted that pedestrian injuries and fatalities are more common during the fall and winter months, with reduced visibility, changing travel habits and weather conditions all being contributing factors.

Medical Health Officer Dr. Melissa Wan said simple precautions can make a meaningful difference.

“We can all take preventative actions to improve visibility, giving others more time to see one another and react safely,” said Dr. Wan.

“Whether you’re behind the wheel, on a bike, or on foot, slowing down, staying alert and making yourself visible can help create safer journeys for everyone.”

According to ICBC figures cited by Island Health, 5,909 crashes on Vancouver Island resulted in an injury or fatality in 2025.

The BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit has also raised concerns about darker morning commutes, noting that 42% of crashes involving pedestrians occur between October and January.

The organization says the combination of reduced daylight and wet weather can make it especially difficult for motorists to see pedestrians.

What residents can do to stay safe

Island Health is encouraging residents to make small changes to their morning routines as the days continue getting shorter.

For drivers, that means completely clearing windshields, mirrors and windows before leaving home, reducing speeds and paying particular attention near schools, bus stops and pedestrian crossings.

Pedestrians are encouraged to wear reflective clothing or accessories, particularly around their wrists and ankles, where movement can help make them more noticeable to approaching vehicles.

Cyclists should use a white front light and red rear light, even during dawn and other low-light conditions.

Island Health also reminds pedestrians to remain alert when crossing streets, even when they have the right of way.

The Capital Regional District has similarly encouraged Greater Victoria residents to prepare for darker mornings, particularly children travelling to school.

A new winter reality for BC

The provincial government announced its move to permanent daylight saving time earlier this year, citing benefits such as more consistent sleep schedules, fewer disruptions to daily routines and additional evening daylight.

The decision followed public consultation in 2019 that found 93% of respondents supported ending seasonal clock changes.

However, the change also means winter mornings will remain darker for longer.

And while the winter solstice arrives on December 21st, Greater Victoria’s latest sunrise won’t occur until approximately December 31st.

For residents heading to work or dropping children off at school, that means morning darkness will be part of the daily routine for weeks to come.