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Sun Times in Raleigh
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is sunrise in Raleigh?
Sunrise in Raleigh on Monday, August 24, 2026 is at 6:28 AM (America/Chicago). This time is calculated from the city's coordinates.
What time is sunset in Raleigh?
Sunset in Raleigh on Monday, August 24, 2026 is at 7:31 PM (America/Chicago). This time is calculated from the city's coordinates.
When is golden hour in Raleigh?
Morning golden hour in Raleigh ends at 7:01 AM. Evening golden hour starts at 6:58 PM.
How long is the day in Raleigh?
On Monday, August 24, 2026 in Raleigh there are 13 hours and 3 minutes of daylight between sunrise and sunset.
What time is the sun at its highest point in Raleigh?
The sun reaches its highest point (solar noon) in Raleigh at 1:00 PM (America/Chicago). This is when the sun crosses the meridian and shadows are at their shortest.
What time does it get dark in Raleigh?
In Raleigh, sunset is at 7:31 PM and it gets fully dark (astronomical dusk) at 8:57 PM (America/Chicago). Civil twilight ends at 7:57 PM when outdoor activities need artificial light.
How long does twilight last in Raleigh?
Twilight in Raleigh lasts approximately 86 minutes from sunset to full darkness (astronomical dusk). This includes civil twilight, nautical twilight, and astronomical twilight.
What is the earliest sunrise of the year in Raleigh?
The earliest sunrise in Raleigh in 2026 is at 5:51 AM on June 5 (America/Chicago). This occurs around the summer solstice when days are longest.
What is the latest sunset of the year in Raleigh?
The latest sunset in Raleigh in 2026 is at 8:08 PM on June 25 (America/Chicago). This occurs shortly after the summer solstice.
What time does it actually get dark after sunset in Raleigh?
After sunset at 7:31 PM in Raleigh, civil twilight ends at 7:57 PM — about 25 minutes later — when the sky becomes too dark for outdoor activities without artificial light. Full darkness (astronomical dusk) arrives at 8:57 PM (America/Chicago).
What these times mean
Solar times in Raleigh shift throughout the year. Each stage of the day brings distinct light that photographers, outdoor planners, and everyday users rely on.
- Dawn
- The first usable twilight before sunrise, when the horizon brightens and color gradually returns to the sky.
- Sunrise
- The moment the upper edge of the sun appears above the horizon, starting direct daylight.
- Golden Hour
- The low-angle window just after sunrise and just before sunset, producing warm, soft light favored by photographers.
- Sunset
- The moment the upper edge of the sun drops below the horizon, ending direct sunlight for the day.
- Dusk
- The fading twilight after sunset, ending with astronomical dusk when the sky becomes fully dark.
Monthly daylight in Raleigh
Sunrise, sunset, and total daylight in Raleigh on the 15th of each month for 2026. Times reflect the city's local timezone.
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6:58 AM | 5:16 PM | 10h 18m |
| February | 6:40 AM | 5:44 PM | 11h 04m |
| March | 7:08 AM | 7:06 PM | 11h 58m |
| April | 6:29 AM | 7:27 PM | 12h 58m |
| May | 6:00 AM | 7:48 PM | 13h 48m |
| June | 5:51 AM | 8:05 PM | 14h 14m |
| July | 6:02 AM | 8:05 PM | 14h 03m |
| August | 6:22 AM | 7:41 PM | 13h 19m |
| September | 6:42 AM | 7:03 PM | 12h 22m |
| October | 7:01 AM | 6:25 PM | 11h 24m |
| November | 6:26 AM | 4:58 PM | 10h 31m |
| December | 6:51 AM | 4:55 PM | 10h 04m |