Sunrise & Sunset Times in Charlotte NC: Annual Guide

Planning outdoor photography, an early morning run, or a romantic evening picnic in the Queen City requires knowing when daylight begins and ends. Understanding sunrise sunset times in Charlotte NC helps residents and visitors make the most of the region's varying daylight hours throughout the year. Located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, Charlotte experiences distinct seasonal shifts in day length, influenced by its latitude of approximately 35.2° N.

Seasonal Breakdown of Daylight in Charlotte

Daylight duration in Charlotte changes dramatically between the winter solstice and the summer solstice. Winter days are noticeably shorter, while summer brings long, lazy evenings perfect for outdoor dining and sunset chasing.

Spring and Summer: Long, Warm Days

Spring arrives in March, bringing a rapid increase in daylight. By the time the summer solstice rolls around in late June, Charlotte enjoys its longest days of the year.

• Late March (Spring Equinox): Sunrise occurs around 7:25 AM, with sunset at approximately 7:30 PM.
• Late June (Summer Solstice): Sunrise is as early as 6:05 AM, and the sun doesn't set until roughly 8:50 PM.

During the peak of summer, early risers are rewarded with warm, quiet mornings, while evening photographers get nearly 15 hours of total daylight to work with.

Autumn and Winter: Crisp Air and Early Evenings

As summer fades into autumn, the days grow shorter at an accelerating pace. The transition is especially noticeable after daylight saving time ends in November.

• Late September (Autumn Equinox): Sunrise happens near 7:15 AM, and sunset drops back to about 7:15 PM.
• Late December (Winter Solstice): Sunrise occurs around 7:25 AM, while the sun sets early at approximately 5:10 PM.

Winter evenings in Charlotte are brisk and dark by early dinner time, making afternoon golden hour a fleeting window that photographers must catch promptly between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM.

Average Monthly Sunrise and Sunset Schedule

To help you plan your schedule month by month, here is a general reference table of approximate sunrise and sunset times in Charlotte, NC:

• January: Sunrise 7:30 AM | Sunset 5:30 PM
• February: Sunrise 7:15 AM | Sunset 6:00 PM
• March: Sunrise 6:45 AM | Sunset 6:25 PM
• April: Sunrise 6:50 AM (post-DST shift) | Sunset 7:55 PM
• May: Sunrise 6:20 AM | Sunset 8:15 PM
• June: Sunrise 6:05 AM | Sunset 8:45 PM
• July: Sunrise 6:15 AM | Sunset 8:40 PM
• August: Sunrise 6:35 AM | Sunset 8:15 PM
• September: Sunrise 6:55 AM | Sunset 7:30 PM
• October: Sunrise 7:15 AM | Sunset 6:45 PM
• November: Sunrise 6:45 AM (post-DST shift) | Sunset 5:20 PM
• December: Sunrise 7:25 AM | Sunset 5:10 PM

Note: Exact times vary by a few minutes depending on the specific day of the month and leap year cycles.

Best Spots to Watch a Sunrise in Charlotte

If you love waking up early, Charlotte offers fantastic vantage points to watch the morning light break across the horizon.

• Freedom Park: The central lake provides stunning morning reflections, surrounded by quiet walking trails.
• Romare Bearden Park: Downtown views catch the early morning sun bouncing off the uptown skyscrapers.
• Uptown Parking Decks: Many public parking structures offer sweeping, unobstructed eastward views of the skyline as dawn approaches.

Best Spots to Catch a Sunset in Charlotte

When the day winds down, head to one of these locations for a breathtaking view of the evening sky:

• Uptown Rooftop Bars: Venues like Merchant & Trade or Waterman Fish Bar provide elevated seating with incredible sunset views over the city grid.
• Lake Norman: Located just north of the city, the open waters provide a mirror-like surface for colorful autumn and summer sunsets.
• Crowders Mountain State Park: For the adventurous, a late afternoon hike to the summit yields panoramic views of the western horizon well past sunset.

Conclusion

Whether you are tracking daylight for a morning commute, scheduling an outdoor workout, or looking for the perfect golden hour photo op, keeping track of sunrise and sunset times in Charlotte NC ensures you never miss a moment of the city's natural beauty. Check local weather apps daily for precise minute-by-minute updates tailored to your exact neighborhood coordinates.