Daylight saving time has officially started, bringing later sunsets and longer evenings across North Carolina. While we lost an hour of sleep on Sunday, March 9, the extra daylight signals that spring is on the way.
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, North Carolina is currently getting close to 12 hours of sunlight each day. Once sunsets reach 8 p.m., the state will enjoy over 13 hours of daylight.
When Will NC Cities See 8 P.M. Sunsets?
Here’s when different cities in North Carolina will have sunsets at 8 p.m.:
- Asheville: April 10
- Charlotte: April 19
- Winston-Salem: April 20
- Greensboro: April 22
- Durham & Chapel Hill: April 26
- Raleigh & Fayetteville: April 28
- Wilmington: May 5
How Daylight Changes Throughout the Year?
North Carolina started gaining daylight after the winter solstice on December 23, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
The increase is slow at first but picks up by March, with up to three extra minutes of daylight each day. This trend continues until the summer solstice in June, which marks the longest day of the year.
Benefits of More Daylight
Studies suggest that daylight saving time offers several advantages:
- Energy savings – A 2008 U.S. Department of Energy study found a 0.5% reduction in daily electricity use.
- Economic boost – Longer daylight hours provide more time for outdoor activities and shopping, which can benefit local businesses.
However, some people argue that darker mornings can make it harder to wake up, especially for early commuters and students.
Do you prefer longer evenings, or would you rather keep standard time all year round?
Disclaimer- Our team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and maintain its credibility. We are committed to providing honest and reliable content for our readers.