Tracking Daylight: How Fast We’re Losing Evening Sun

As we move deeper into September, many have already noticed the evenings arriving earlier. The gradual loss of daylight is one of the most noticeable seasonal changes this time of year, and it accelerates as we approach fall.

How Much Daylight Are We Losing?

Rowan County is currently losing about 2 minutes of daylight per day, which adds up to more than 15 minutes per week. By the end of September, the total loss will approach an hour compared to the start of the month.

Sunset Times in Rowan County

• September 1: Sunset was at 7:47 PM

• September 15: Sunset dropped to 7:30 PM

• September 30: Sunset will arrive at 7:09 PM

That is nearly 40 minutes less evening daylight over the course of the month.

Why the Change Feels Faster

The Earth’s tilt causes our hemisphere to lean away from the sun this time of year. The closer we move toward the fall equinox and then toward winter, the faster the daylight hours shorten. This shift is most noticeable in the evenings, where outdoor activities and sports practices often end under lights much sooner than just a few weeks ago.

Looking Ahead

By late October, sunsets in Rowan County will slip below 6:30 PM. Once the time change occurs in early November, the sun will be setting before 5:30 PM, marking the true arrival of short fall and winter days.