What Time Candle Lighting Tonight (Find Exact Times)

Every evening, when I watch the first flicker of a candle come alive, I’m reminded why people across the world ask, “What time is candle lighting tonight?”

For many, it’s not just about timing — it’s about meaning. The time you light a candle can shape how you experience that moment of calm, reflection, or prayer.

As someone who has spent years crafting candles and studying how wax, flame, and fragrance interact with space and time, I’ve learned that candle lighting is as much about rhythm as it is about ritual. 

Whether it’s a Friday evening Shabbat candle, a Hanukkah light, or simply a quiet candlelit corner at home, the right lighting time deepens the experience.

What Time Is Candle Lighting Tonight?

Candle lighting times change daily because they depend on sunset, latitude, and time zone. Most traditions light candles a few minutes before sunset — for example, 18 minutes earlier for Shabbat.

In practical terms, this means lighting around 6:10 PM in New York, 5:40 PM in London, or 6:15 PM in Mumbai, depending on the season. The goal is to light just before dusk, when daylight softens and the flame blends naturally with the evening light.

Even outside rituals, this timing creates the most stable burn. At that moment, wax cools evenly, scent diffuses better, and the glow feels calmer — a balance candle makers and lighting enthusiasts value deeply.

How Are Candle Lighting Times Calculated?

Candle lighting time is calculated by finding your local sunset and subtracting a few minutes — typically 15–20. The calculation is based on your longitude and latitude, since sunset varies by location.

Modern tools and calendars automate this using astronomical data, so you can simply check your city’s sunset and light your candles slightly beforehand. This ensures a steady flame and maintains the symbolic pause between day and night.

Candle Lighting Times for the Year (2026)

Candle lighting times follow the natural rhythm of sunset, shifting slightly each month and region.

The tables below provide approximate candle lighting ranges for 2026, reflecting small time changes (1–3 minutes) compared with last year.

Use these as a reliable guide to know what time candle lighting is tonight, wherever you are.

India – Candle Lighting Times 2026

United States – Candle Lighting Times 2026

Canada – Candle Lighting Times 2026

United Kingdom – Candle Lighting Times 2026

Final Thoughts

Knowing what time candle lighting is tonight helps you do more than just schedule a task. It connects you with rhythm, natural, cultural, and emotional. The exact moment you light a candle shapes how it burns, how it smells, and how it feels.

As a candle maker, I’ve always believed the best experiences begin with intention. Lighting before sunset lets the day settle gracefully, allowing the flame to lead the way into stillness. Whether you light for reflection, prayer, or calm, timing turns it into meaning.

If you wish to make your evening ritual even more special, explore handcrafted candles from Karigar Style. Each piece is poured with natural wax, balanced fragrance, and the kind of care that only comes from experience.