The witching hour is a term from real-world folklore referring to a time of night, typically around midnight or in the early hours of the morning, when supernatural beings such as witches, demons, and ghosts are believed to be at their most powerful and active. It is important to note that the specific term “witching hour” is not used in the seven original Harry Potter novels by J.K. Rowling. However, the concept of significant magical events taking place late at night or under the cover of darkness is a recurring motif throughout the series. Many pivotal moments in the wizarding world happen during the night, a time when the magical world is often most distinct from the sleeping Muggle world and its activities can remain concealed.
While not explicitly called a “witching hour,” numerous key events in the series occur late at night, often serving as the backdrop for critical plot developments:
The term “witching hour” originates from Western folklore and is not an invention of J.K. Rowling for the wizarding world. Its popularization in modern culture, including other works of children's fantasy, may have led fans to associate the general concept with the Harry Potter series, despite the term itself never appearing in the books. The frequent use of night-time settings in the story serves to heighten tension, conceal magic from Muggles, and create a classic atmosphere of mystery and enchantment.