Bahrain's Nightfall: Understanding The Country's Dusk Hours

The time that it gets dark in Bahrain depends on the time of year. In summer (June to September), there are longer days and shorter nights, with the sun rising at 5:51 am and setting at 6:51 pm. In winter (December to March), there are shorter days and longer nights, with the sun rising at 5:52 am and setting at 4:50 pm. On 10 November 2024, the sun rose at 5:51 am and set at 4:50 pm in Manama, Bahrain's capital.

Sunrise and sunset times in Manama, Bahrain's capital

The sunrise and sunset times in Manama, the capital of Bahrain, vary depending on the time of year. In June, the days are longer, with sunrise at 5:51 am and sunset at 6:51 pm, resulting in approximately 13 hours of daylight. On the other hand, December has the longest nights, with sunrise around 5:50 am and sunset as early as 4:50 pm, providing about 10 hours of daylight.

The duration of daylight in Manama is influenced by its location in the northern hemisphere, which is not as extreme as the Nordic countries but still noticeable. The days gradually lengthen from December to March, with the latest sunrise occurring around two hours later than in June.

The time of sunrise and sunset in Manama is also determined by its distance from the equator. Located at 26 degrees north latitude, Manama experiences a more oblique sun path than regions closer to the equator, resulting in longer sunset durations. On average, a sunset in Bahrain lasts about 27 minutes, compared to 20 minutes near the equator.

The sun's position in the sky also varies throughout the year in Manama. In December, the sun is lower in the sky, reaching a maximum height of 40 degrees above the horizon at midday. In contrast, on June 21st, the sun shines down at its zenith, reaching an angle of 87.2 degrees at midday.

These variations in sunrise and sunset times, as well as the sun's path and position in the sky, contribute to the changing length of daylight hours in Manama, Bahrain's capital, throughout the year.

The length of the day in Manama

In winter, the days are shorter, with the longest night occurring in December, lasting almost 14 hours. The sun rises about 2 hours later than in summer, and the day lasts for about 10 hours and 33 minutes. However, due to cloud cover or other visual obstructions, the actual amount of sunshine duration may be reduced by about 2 hours and 33 minutes.

The variation in day length throughout the year is influenced by Manama's location in the northern hemisphere, which determines the time of sunrise and sunset. Being situated at 26 degrees north latitude, Manama experiences a more oblique sun path than locations closer to the equator, resulting in longer sunset durations.

On November 10, 2024, the sun rose in Manama at 5:51 or 5:52 am and set at 16:51 or 4:50 pm, resulting in a day length of approximately 11 hours. The earliest sunset in November typically occurs on November 29 or 30.

The impact of cloud cover and other obstructions

Cloud cover can have a notable influence on the amount of sunlight that reaches the ground. Clouds can reflect or scatter sunlight, reducing the amount of direct radiation that reaches the Earth's surface. This effect can be particularly pronounced during sunrise and sunset, when the angle of the sun relative to the horizon can make the sun's rays more susceptible to obstruction by clouds. In the context of Bahrain, which experiences varying levels of cloud cover throughout the year, this can lead to fluctuations in the perceived timing of dusk.

Additionally, clouds play a crucial role in the Earth's energy balance by absorbing and emitting radiation. They can act as a blanket, trapping heat near the surface and contributing to the greenhouse effect. This effect can influence the overall temperature and climate of a region, including Bahrain. However, the impact of clouds on temperature is complex and depends on various factors such as cloud type, altitude, and geographical location.

It's worth noting that other atmospheric obstructions, such as air pollution and industrial emissions, can also influence the amount of sunlight reaching the surface in Bahrain. These pollutants can interact with sunlight, potentially affecting its intensity and the timing of dusk. Additionally, local factors such as the presence of tall buildings or other structures can create shadows and obstruct sunlight, further influencing the perceived timing of darkness.

In summary, while the geographical location of Bahrain sets the fundamental framework for sunrise and sunset times, the presence of cloud cover and other obstructions can introduce variability. These factors can influence the amount and intensity of sunlight reaching the surface, impacting the perceived timing of dusk and the overall climate of the region. Therefore, when considering the question of "what time does it get dark in Bahrain?", it is essential to take into account the dynamic and complex nature of the Earth's atmosphere and its interactions with sunlight.

The sun's path and angle

In December, the sun is much lower in the sky, and even at midday, it can only be seen 40 degrees above the horizon. This means that the days are shorter and the nights are longer in winter, with a December night in Manama lasting almost 14 hours. The days start about 2 hours later during this season.

The duration of sunset also depends on the sun's path and angle. Manama is located at the 26th degree of northern latitude, which means the sun's path is more oblique to the horizon compared to locations closer to the equator. As a result, sunsets in Bahrain last longer, averaging 27 minutes, compared to about 20 minutes near the equator. In June, sunsets in Manama can last up to 28 minutes, while in December, they average 26 minutes.

The difference in sunset duration

The duration of sunset in Bahrain differs depending on the time of year and the location within the country. On average, a sunset in Bahrain lasts around 27 minutes. However, this duration can vary slightly from month to month. For example, in the month of June, sunsets in Manama, the capital of Bahrain, can last up to about 28 minutes, whereas in December, they may last closer to 26 minutes.

The variation in sunset duration is influenced by Bahrain's geographical location relative to the equator. Manama, being situated at 26 degrees north latitude, experiences a more oblique sun path compared to locations closer to the equator. This results in slightly longer sunset durations compared to places near the equator, where sunsets typically last for about 20 minutes.

The length of the day also plays a role in the sunset duration. During the summer months from June to September, Bahrain experiences its longest days, with up to approximately 13 hours and 50 minutes of daylight. Consequently, sunsets during this time of year tend to occur later in the day and may exhibit slightly longer durations. In contrast, the shortest days occur during the winter months from December to March, resulting in earlier sunsets and slightly shorter durations.

It is worth noting that the timing of sunrise and sunset in Bahrain is influenced by its moderate location in the northern hemisphere. While the variation in daylight hours is not as extreme as in the Nordic countries, it is still noticeable throughout the year. This results in longer days during the summer and longer nights during the winter. For example, a December night in Manama can last almost 14 hours, with the sun rising nearly two hours later compared to June.

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