Halloween 2026 — When Will It Get Dark, and What Will the Weather Feel Like?

By Steve Monday | Chief Forecaster
Rowan County Weather & Regional Forecast
Wednesday, October 28, 2026

Halloween is almost here, and families across Rowan, Davie, Davidson, and Cabarrus counties are getting ready for an evening of costumes, candy, and neighborhood trick-or-treating.

One of the biggest questions I receive every Halloween is simple: What will the weather feel like when the kids head out?

This year, we have some encouraging news. Despite the possibility of changing weather conditions later in the weekend, Halloween evening itself continues to look relatively favorable.

What Time Will It Get Dark?

On Saturday, October 31, sunset will occur between approximately 6:25 and 6:30 PM across our four-county forecast area.

Here's a closer look:

Sunset doesn't mean immediate darkness. We typically have another 25 to 30 minutes of twilight before the remaining natural daylight fades.

For most of our region, expect it to become noticeably dark between 6:50 and 7:00 PM. Sunrise-Sunset.org

What Will Trick-or-Treat Temperatures Feel Like?

Saturday afternoon temperatures should reach the upper 60s to lower 70s, depending on your location.

By the time traditional trick-or-treating activities begin, temperatures will gradually fall.

Here are my preliminary regional temperature estimates:

These are planning estimates rather than finalized hourly forecasts. Temperatures will vary depending on cloud cover, wind, and the development of cooler air across the Piedmont.

Overall, I don't anticipate dangerously cold conditions. However, it could feel noticeably cooler toward the end of the evening.

What About Rain?

This is the part of the forecast I'm watching particularly closely.

A developing weather wedge, also known as cold-air damming, could begin influencing our region Saturday.

That would bring increasing cloud cover and eventually the possibility of rain.

However, the latest forecast guidance continues to favor mostly dry conditions during traditional Halloween evening activities.

Rain chances become more concerning Sunday into Monday as additional moisture moves into the region.

There is still some uncertainty regarding exactly when precipitation begins, but I wouldn't cancel Halloween plans based on the current forecast. National Weather Service

A Few Costume Recommendations

With temperatures cooling through the evening, I recommend considering a few simple adjustments to Halloween costumes.

A lightweight layer underneath a costume could provide additional warmth without affecting its appearance.

Comfortable shoes are also important, particularly for children who will be walking around neighborhoods for an extended period.

And because darkness arrives relatively early, visibility is especially important.

Reflective accessories, glow sticks, and flashlights can help drivers see trick-or-treaters.

Parents should also remind children to use sidewalks and designated crossings whenever possible.

Don't Forget the Time Change!

One additional reminder: Daylight Saving Time ends early Sunday morning, November 1.

At 2:00 AM, clocks move backward one hour.

That means we'll gain an extra hour overnight, but sunset will occur approximately one hour earlier by the clock Sunday evening.

My Final Thoughts

As of Wednesday afternoon, Halloween continues to look like a good evening for families across Rowan, Davie, Davidson, and Cabarrus counties.

We'll have plenty of clouds, temperatures gradually cooling through the evening, and a relatively low risk of rain during traditional trick-or-treating hours.

The more significant weather questions develop Sunday as a potential wedge strengthens and rain chances increase.

I'll continue monitoring the latest guidance and will provide updated Halloween forecasts as we get closer to Saturday.

Steve Monday
Chief Forecaster
Rowan County Weather & Regional Forecast