Daylight Saving Time 2026 USA: When Do Clocks Go Back and What Changes?

Published: 25 October 2026 | SHOW ROOM

Daylight saving time is coming to an end across most of the United States, and millions of Americans will soon need to adjust their clocks.

In 2026, daylight saving time ends on Sunday, November 1, when clocks move backward by one hour.

The change means an extra hour on the clock overnight, earlier sunsets and a return to standard time.

But not every US state follows daylight saving time, and the change can affect sleep, travel schedules, work routines and everyday activities.

Here is everything you need to know about the November 2026 clock change.

1. When Does Daylight Saving Time End in 2026?

Daylight saving time ends in most of the United States on:

Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 2:00 a.m. local daylight time.

At that moment, clocks move backward one hour to 1:00 a.m. local standard time.

For example:

1:59 a.m. daylight time
Clocks change
1:00 a.m. standard time

This is commonly described as “falling back”.

Most people will experience an additional hour on the clock during the night.

2. Do We Gain or Lose an Hour?

When daylight saving time ends, clocks move backward by one hour.

This creates an extra hour in the overnight clock schedule.

People who maintain their usual bedtime and waking time may have an opportunity for additional sleep.

However, an extra hour on the clock does not guarantee better sleep.

Changes to light exposure and daily routines can still affect how people feel.

3. Which US States Change Their Clocks?

Most US states observe daylight saving time.

This includes major cities such as:

New York City
Los Angeles
Chicago
Houston
Miami
Seattle
Boston
Atlanta

Residents in these areas generally need to account for the November 1 clock change.

However, some places do not observe daylight saving time.

4. Which States Do Not Observe Daylight Saving Time?

Two US states generally do not observe daylight saving time:

Hawaii

Hawaii remains on Hawaii Standard Time throughout the year.

Its clocks do not move forward or backward for daylight saving time.

Arizona

Most of Arizona remains on Mountain Standard Time throughout the year.

However, the Navajo Nation observes daylight saving time.

This creates an important exception within the state.

Several US territories also do not observe daylight saving time, including Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the US Virgin Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands.

5. What Happens to Sunrise and Sunset Times?

When clocks move backward, sunrise and sunset generally occur about one hour earlier according to the clock than they did immediately before the change.

This means many people will notice brighter mornings but darker evenings.

For example, someone who previously experienced sunset at approximately 6:00 p.m. may see sunset around 5:00 p.m. after the clock change, although actual times vary by location and date.

Daylight saving time does not change the total amount of daylight.

It changes how daylight aligns with the clock.

6. How Can the Clock Change Affect Sleep?

The transition from daylight saving time to standard time can temporarily affect sleep routines.

Although the autumn change provides an additional hour on the clock, some people may experience changes in their sleeping and waking patterns.

Possible effects include:

Waking earlier than expected
Feeling sleepy earlier in the evening
Temporary changes in concentration
Difficulty maintaining a consistent bedtime

Most people can adjust gradually by keeping regular routines.

Anyone experiencing persistent sleep problems should seek appropriate medical advice.

7. Five Practical Tips for Adjusting Your Sleep Schedule

Maintain a Consistent Bedtime

Try to keep your sleeping and waking times reasonably consistent.

Get Natural Morning Light

Morning daylight can help support your body's daily sleep-wake rhythm.

Avoid Excessive Late-Night Screen Use

Reducing bright screen exposure before bedtime may make it easier to wind down.

Limit Late Caffeine Consumption

Caffeine can interfere with sleep, particularly when consumed close to bedtime.

Prepare Children's Routines

Parents may find it helpful to adjust children's bedtime routines gradually if they are sensitive to schedule changes.

8. Will Smartphones Change Automatically?

Most modern smartphones, computers and connected devices automatically update their clocks when the correct time zone and automatic date-and-time settings are enabled.

However, not every device updates automatically.

You may need to adjust:

Analogue wall clocks
Some car clocks
Microwave displays
Oven clocks
Older digital clocks
Certain household timers

Check your device settings if you are unsure.

9. What About Flights and Travel?

The clock change can create confusion for travellers, especially those crossing time zones.

Airline tickets and travel schedules normally use the local time at the relevant airport.

If you have an early morning flight on November 1, confirm the departure time directly with your airline.

International travellers should also remember that different countries change their clocks on different dates.

For example, the United Kingdom ends British Summer Time on October 25, 2026, one week before most of the United States returns to standard time.

This temporarily changes the usual time difference between some US and UK locations.

10. How Does the Clock Change Affect Work?

People working overnight shifts may be particularly affected.

Because the hour between 1:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. occurs twice in locations changing clocks, some overnight shifts may involve an additional scheduled hour.

Pay and working arrangements depend on employer policies and applicable employment laws.

Employees should confirm their schedules and compensation arrangements with their employers.

11. Can Daylight Saving Time Affect Electricity Bills?

Daylight saving time has historically been associated with attempts to make better use of natural daylight.

However, the overall energy effects are complex.

Electricity use depends on heating, cooling, lighting, climate and household behaviour.

Ending daylight saving time does not automatically increase or decrease every household's energy bill.

Practical energy-saving habits remain useful regardless of the clock change.

12. Is Daylight Saving Time Ending Permanently?

There have been repeated debates in the United States about whether seasonal clock changes should continue.

Some policymakers favour permanent standard time, while others support permanent daylight saving time.

However, under the federal schedule applicable to 2026, most participating US locations will return to standard time on November 1.

Readers should check official sources for any future legislative developments.

13. When Does Daylight Saving Time Start Again in 2027?

Under the current US federal schedule, daylight saving time begins again on:

Sunday, March 14, 2027.

At 2:00 a.m. local standard time, clocks will move forward to 3:00 a.m. local daylight time in participating locations.

This is commonly described as “springing forward”.

Daylight Saving Time 2026: Important Dates

Event	Date
UK clocks go back	October 25, 2026
US clocks go back	November 1, 2026
US daylight saving time starts in 2027	March 14, 2027
UK clocks go forward in 2027	March 28, 2027