North Carolina Sunsets Now After 6PM as Daylight Saving Time Approaches — Nearly Two Extra Hours of Evening Light Coming by Late April
NORTH CAROLINA — The seasonal shift toward spring is becoming more noticeable in the evening sky. Sunsets across the state have officially moved past the 6:00 PM mark, signaling longer and brighter days ahead.
The latest sunset time is now approximately 6:06 PM, and that’s just the beginning.
Daylight Saving Time Brings 7PM Sunsets Soon
With Daylight Saving Time arriving next Sunday, clocks will “spring forward,” instantly pushing sunset times later.
In roughly a week and a half, sunsets will jump to about 7:16 PM thanks to the time change. That extra evening light will be immediately noticeable, especially for commuters and those with outdoor plans after work.
Daylight Gains Accelerate Through Spring
The increase in daylight will continue steadily over the next several weeks:
- Now: Sunset around 6:06 PM (11 hours, 16 minutes of daylight)
- In 1½ Weeks: Sunset around 7:16 PM (11 hours, 41 minutes of daylight)
- In 6 Weeks: Sunset around 7:28 PM (12 hours, 12 minutes of daylight)
- In 8 Weeks: Sunset around 7:47 PM (13 hours, 4 minutes of daylight)
By late April, North Carolina will gain nearly two full hours of additional daylight compared to today.
What’s Driving the Change?
The lengthening days are caused by Earth’s gradual tilt toward the Sun as the Northern Hemisphere moves closer to the spring equinox.
As March progresses, sunrise times will also shift earlier while sunsets continue moving later — creating longer, brighter afternoons.
A Psychological Boost Toward Spring
Beyond the scientific explanation, the longer daylight hours often bring a welcome boost in mood and activity levels.
Later sunsets mean:
- More time outdoors after work or school
- Extended evening recreation opportunities
- Gradually warming temperatures alongside increasing sunshine
The steady climb in daylight is one of the clearest signs that winter’s grip is loosening.
While colder days may still pop up, the sun is now winning the seasonal battle — and the evenings will only get brighter from here. For continued seasonal updates and national weather coverage, stay with NapervilleLocal.com.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.