Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 2:00 a.m. local time. Clocks “fall back” one hour to 1:00 a.m., so you get an extra hour of sleep — and darker evenings start that week.
Daylight saving time 2026 dates
| Event | Date | Change |
|---|---|---|
| DST began | Sunday, March 8, 2026 | Clocks sprang forward 1 hour |
| DST ends | Sunday, November 1, 2026 | Clocks fall back 1 hour at 2 a.m. |
| DST 2027 begins | Sunday, March 14, 2027 | Spring forward again |
Under federal law, DST in the U.S. starts on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.
Do I set my clock forward or back?
Back. Remember “spring forward, fall back.” At 2:00 a.m. on November 1, the time becomes 1:00 a.m. again.
Which states don’t observe daylight saving time?
- Hawaii stays on standard time all year.
- Arizona stays on standard time, except the Navajo Nation, which observes DST.
- U.S. territories — Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands — don’t change their clocks.
Which clocks change automatically?
- Automatic: smartphones, computers, smartwatches and most cable boxes.
- Manual: oven and microwave clocks, car dashboards, wall clocks, some alarm clocks and older thermostats.
Time difference after the change
When the U.S. falls back on November 1, Eastern Time becomes UTC−5 (EST). The UK and Europe already ended summer time on October 25, 2026, so for one week (October 25–31) the gap between New York and London is four hours instead of the usual five.
Tips for the fall time change
- Use the extra hour for sleep, not screens.
- Get morning sunlight on Sunday and Monday to reset your body clock.
- Shift kids’ bedtime 10–15 minutes later for a few nights before the change.
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries — a classic time-change habit.
- Take extra care driving in the earlier evening darkness.
Will daylight saving time become permanent?
Congress has considered bills such as the Sunshine Protection Act to make DST permanent, and many states have passed laws ready to switch if Congress allows it. Until federal law changes, clocks will keep changing twice a year.
Planning November? See our hello November quotes, Election Day poll hours and Thanksgiving countdown.
FAQ
When does daylight saving time end in 2026?
Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 2:00 a.m. local time.
Do we gain or lose an hour?
You gain an hour — clocks go back from 2 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Does Arizona change its clocks?
No, except the Navajo Nation. Hawaii also doesn’t change.
