Image Source: Bergen Record
When is daylight savings time ending in 2026? For most Americans, clocks are scheduled to move back one hour on Nov. 1, when daylight saving time ends and standard time returns. The change will bring more sunlight to early mornings but cause darkness to arrive earlier in the evening.
The annual “fall back” remains on the calendar because Congress has not approved legislation that would make daylight saving time permanent. South Carolina is among 19 states that have passed legislation supporting year-round daylight saving time, but the state cannot put that policy into effect without action at the federal level.
When Is Daylight Savings Time Ending This Year?
Under current federal law, daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November. In 2026, the scheduled end date is Sunday, Nov. 1.
At the changeover, clocks move back one hour. The adjustment gives residents an additional hour of sleep and shifts more daylight into the morning. However, sunsets occur earlier, which can affect school schedules, commuting, outdoor activities and evening business.
- Daylight saving time ends: Nov. 1, 2026
- Clocks move back: One hour
- Time standard after the change: Standard time
- Daylight saving time normally begins: The second Sunday in March
Unless Congress acts before the deadline, South Carolina residents should expect to change their clocks as usual. The change applies to phones, computers and many other electronic devices automatically, although wall clocks, car clocks and appliances may need to be adjusted manually.
Critical Federal Decision Could Change the Clock
The proposed Sunshine Protection Act of 2025 would make daylight saving time permanent in states that currently observe it. If enacted, the measure would keep clocks one hour ahead of standard time instead of requiring the nation to “fall back” each autumn.
The bill passed the House in July but remains stalled in the Senate. Lawmakers are scheduled for a monthlong break beginning Oct. 5, leaving Congress with limited time to act before the Nov. 1 transition.
Federal law currently prevents states from independently adopting year-round daylight saving time. States can choose to remain on standard time throughout the year, as Arizona and Hawaii do, but they cannot unilaterally keep daylight saving time all year.
South Carolina’s Push for Permanent Daylight Saving Time
South Carolina has taken several steps toward ending the twice-yearly clock change. In 2020, Gov. Henry McMaster signed legislation authorizing the state to permanently adopt daylight saving time if Congress approved a corresponding federal policy.
With federal action delayed, South Carolina lawmakers introduced another proposal in 2025. H. 3325, sponsored by Rep. Bill Chumley of Spartanburg, would make daylight saving time permanent and direct the attorney general to seek a waiver from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The proposal included a safeguard: If the federal agency rejected the waiver, the measure would become void. However, H. 3325 has not advanced since being referred to the House Judiciary Committee in 2025.
South Carolinians Remain Divided
Although many state politicians have supported permanent daylight saving time, public opinion is less settled. A recent Post and Courier survey of more than 500 people found that standard time had the highest level of support.
- 40.7 percent preferred standard time year-round.
- 33.5 percent supported daylight saving time year-round.
- 17.4 percent preferred keeping the current twice-yearly clock change.
- 8.5 percent said they were indifferent.
The debate reflects a broader disagreement over what matters most: brighter evenings, brighter mornings, simpler schedules or avoiding the health and logistical disruptions associated with changing clocks.
What Residents Should Do Before Nov. 1
South Carolina residents should continue following the existing schedule unless Congress passes a law changing it. Before going to bed on Oct. 31, people should check clocks that do not update automatically and review alarms, medical devices, kitchen appliances and vehicle displays.
It is also worth remembering that “fall back” means gaining an hour, while “spring forward” means losing an hour. The twice-yearly practice will continue in 2026 unless federal lawmakers reach an unexpected agreement.
When is daylight savings time ending in 2026?
Daylight saving time is scheduled to end on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026. Clocks will move back one hour to standard time.
Will South Carolina stop changing its clocks?
Not yet. South Carolina has passed legislation supporting permanent daylight saving time, but federal approval is required before the change can take effect.
What would the Sunshine Protection Act do?
The proposed law would make daylight saving time permanent in states that currently observe it, eliminating the annual autumn clock change.
Does every state change its clocks?
No. Arizona and Hawaii observe standard time year-round. Most other states currently switch between daylight saving time and standard time.
