Trick-or-treating is one of the most fun parts of Halloween, whether you’re walking around with your kids or staying home to pass out candy. It gives everyone a reason to get outside, say hello to the neighbors, and eat a few pieces of chocolate along the way. And since Halloween falls on a Friday this year, families may be out and about a little longer than usual.
Of course, the big question every October is the same: What time does trick-or-treating actually start? The answer depends a little on where you live, but there are some helpful patterns to follow. In general, younger trick-or-treaters tend to go out right around sunset, especially the ones with earlier bedtimes. Older kids and teens usually show up a bit later, closer to 7 or 8 p.m., and may keep going until most porch lights are off. If you're not sure when the rush will begin in your area, check with your local news station or community Facebook group to see if your town posts official hours. Some places do, while others just rely on the usual routine. You can also use a sunset calculator to get a better idea of when things will get started in your zip code.
To make things a bit easier, we’ve included sunset times for dozens of cities across the U.S., along with trick-or-treating windows based on previous years. Whether you’re heading out with a group or staying home to pass out candy, a little planning goes a long way—especially when costumes, flashlights, and sugar are involved! 🎃
Trick-or-Treating Hours
- Atlanta: 6:45 p.m. sunset. (According to local news outlets in pervious years, it is suggested that trick-or-treating take place from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., on average.)
- Baltimore: 6:06 p.m. sunset.
- Boston: 5:38 p.m. sunset.
- Chicago: 5:45 p.m. sunset. (According to local news outlets in pervious years, it is suggested that trick-or-treating take place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., on average.)
- Cincinnati: 6:38 p.m. sunset. (According to local news outlets in pervious years, it is suggested that trick-or-treating take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., on average.)
- Cleveland: 6:22 p.m. sunset. (According to local news outlets in pervious years, it is suggested that trick-or-treating take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., on average.)
- Dallas: 6:36 p.m. sunset.
- Denver: 5:58 p.m. sunset. (According to local news outlets in pervious years, it is suggested that trick-or-treating take place from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., on average.)
- Houston: 6:35 p.m. sunset.
- Indianapolis: 6:43 p.m. sunset. (According to local news outlets in pervious years, it is suggested that trick-or-treating take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., on average.)
- Las Vegas: 5:45 p.m. sunset. (According to local news outlets in pervious years, it is suggested that trick-or-treating take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., on average.)
- Los Angeles: 6:00 p.m. sunset.
- Miami: 6:39 p.m. sunset.
- Milwaukee: 5:44 p.m. sunset. (According to local news outlets in pervious years, it is suggested that trick-or-treating take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 27, on average.)
- Minneapolis: 6:02 p.m. sunset.
- New Orleans: 6:14 p.m. sunset.
- New York: 5:53 p.m. sunset.
- Oklahoma City: 6:35 p.m. sunset.
- Philadelphia: 5:59 p.m. sunset. (According to local news outlets in pervious years, it is suggested that trick-or-treating take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., on average.)
- Phoenix: 5:37 p.m. sunset. (According to local news outlets in pervious years, it is suggested that trick-or-treating take place from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., on average.)
- Pittsburgh: 6:17 p.m. sunset. (According to local news outlets in pervious years, it is suggested that trick-or-treating take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., on average.)
- St. Louis: 6:01 p.m. sunset.
- Salt Lake City: 6:24 p.m. sunset.
- San Antonio: 6:48 p.m. sunset.
- San Diego: 5:58 p.m. sunset.
- San Francisco: 6:11 p.m. sunset.
- Seattle: 5:52 p.m. sunset. (According to local news outlets in pervious years, it is suggested that trick-or-treating take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., on average.)
- Washington: 6:08 p.m. sunset. (According to local news outlets in pervious years, it is suggested that trick-or-treating take place from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.)
Is trick-or-treating always on October 31?
Yes! Halloween falls on a Friday this year, but don't expect trick-or-treating to be moved to the weekend. It will take place on October 31, as it does every year. That being said, you can always get your Halloween celebration started early with a trunk-or-treat event or local festival the weekend before the big day.
What are some safe ways to trick-or-treat?
Your kid's safety should be top priority come Halloween! There are plenty of ways to make sure everyone is having fun while also being cautious. First, it's important to make sure all kids (especially those under 12) are being supervised. It's a good idea for you and your kids to have a flashlight, as it'll come in handy as it gets darker outside. It's also a good idea to make sure each group has a cellphone present—in the case of an emergency, this would be used to contact help. Oh, and while this is not possible in every situation, it's worth noting that the brighter the Halloween costume, the better! (This is mostly for visibility purposes...but it can also be fun!)
Whether you're handing out treats or warding off tricks, it's always more fun when everyone stays safe. Check out our top tips for trick-or-treating safety if you want more details to prep for spooky speason.
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
