I live in the North where the days are short and dark in the winter and where the days are long and bright in the summer.
A cloudy day in December can be darker at noon than at 2 am in the middle of summer... At noon, the sunlight is not coming from above - it is literally horizontal.
Having white snow on the ground, on trees and on roof tops makes the day brighter. It is important for the well-being.
Road slush, with soot from car exhaust and sand is grey. I hate that.
Get a proper public transport system in your city so you don't have to drive!