Daylight Saving Time 2026 is approaching its annual end in most of the United States, with clocks scheduled to move back one hour on Sunday, November 1. The change will return participating states to standard time, bringing earlier sunrises and earlier sunsets by the clock.
The upcoming time change comes as lawmakers continue debating whether to make Daylight Saving Time permanent nationwide. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill supporting permanent daylight saving time in July, but the proposal still needs Senate approval and must become law before it can replace the existing schedule.
When Does Daylight Saving Time End in 2026?
Daylight Saving Time will end on Sunday, November 1, 2026, in most U.S. states that observe the seasonal time change. At 2 a.m. local daylight time, clocks will move backward to 1 a.m. standard time.
This means people in participating areas will effectively gain one hour. The change also marks the return to standard time, which will remain in effect until Daylight Saving Time begins again in March 2027.
Most smartphones, computers and other internet-connected devices adjust automatically when their time-zone settings are correct. However, people may need to change the time manually on traditional wall clocks, watches and other devices that do not update automatically.
Daylight Saving Time 2026 Schedule
- Daylight Saving Time began: Sunday, March 8, 2026.
- Daylight Saving Time ends: Sunday, November 1, 2026.
- Clock change: At 2 a.m., clocks move back to 1 a.m. local time.
- Next Daylight Saving Time begins: Sunday, March 14, 2027.
The current federal schedule follows the rule established under U.S. law that Daylight Saving Time begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November. The schedule was extended under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, with the updated dates taking effect in 2007.
Will Daylight Saving Time Become Permanent in the United States?
The debate over ending the twice-yearly clock change gained renewed attention in 2026. On July 14, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Sunshine Protection Act of 2025 by a vote of 308 to 117. The legislation proposes making Daylight Saving Time permanent, eliminating the need to move clocks back to standard time each November in areas covered by the new rules.
However, House approval alone does not change the country’s timekeeping system. The bill was subsequently received in the Senate and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation in July. As of October 19, 2026, it has not become law.
Supporters of permanent Daylight Saving Time argue that longer daylight hours in the evening could benefit shopping, recreation and other activities. They also contend that eliminating seasonal clock changes could reduce disruptions to sleep and daily routines.
Opponents have raised concerns about darker winter mornings, particularly for children traveling to school and people commuting before sunrise. Keeping Daylight Saving Time throughout the winter would leave clocks an hour ahead of standard time, meaning sunrise would occur later than it currently does under the seasonal system.
For now, the existing federal schedule remains in effect. Unless a new law is enacted and takes effect before the scheduled change, most Americans who observe Daylight Saving Time should still expect to turn their clocks back on November 1, 2026.
Which U.S. States Do Not Observe Daylight Saving Time?
Not every part of the United States changes its clocks twice a year. Hawaii and most of Arizona observe standard time throughout the year rather than switching to Daylight Saving Time.
The Navajo Nation, which extends into northeastern Arizona and parts of neighboring states, observes Daylight Saving Time. This creates a notable exception within Arizona, where local time practices can differ depending on the specific community.
U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands, also generally do not observe Daylight Saving Time.
Residents and visitors should check the local time-zone rules when traveling, scheduling meetings or making plans across state and territorial borders.
What Happens When Clocks Fall Back?
When Daylight Saving Time ends, clocks move back one hour, giving people an additional hour on the night of the transition. However, the shift also changes the timing of daylight in everyday life.
Sunrise and sunset will occur about one hour earlier by the clock compared with the previous day in areas making the change. Mornings will generally become brighter earlier, while evenings will become darker earlier.
The transition can affect commuting routines, school schedules, work shifts, travel arrangements and scheduled appointments. People who work across multiple time zones should pay particular attention to meeting times and transportation schedules around the change.
Although most modern electronic devices update automatically, checking the time on household clocks and verifying calendar settings can help prevent confusion on the first day of standard time.
When Will Daylight Saving Time Return in 2027?
Daylight Saving Time is scheduled to return on Sunday, March 14, 2027, in most participating U.S. locations. At 2 a.m. local standard time, clocks will move forward to 3 a.m., reducing that day’s total length by one hour.
The March 2027 transition remains part of the existing federal schedule. Any permanent change to the system would require the necessary legislative action and implementation arrangements before a different timetable could take effect.
What to Know About Daylight Saving Time 2026
The key date to remember is November 1, 2026, when most Americans who observe Daylight Saving Time will move their clocks back one hour. Although the House has approved legislation to make daylight saving time permanent, the proposal remains pending in the Senate and has not changed the current rules.
Until a new law takes effect, the regular seasonal clock change remains scheduled. Checking devices, appointments and travel plans ahead of the transition can help households and businesses prepare for the return to standard time.