Image Source: The Washington Post
When does the time change? In 2026, most Americans will turn their clocks back one hour at 2 a.m. local time on Sunday, November 1. The annual switch marks the end of daylight saving time and gives people an extra hour overnight.
The change comes just after Halloween, meaning late-night partygoers may get additional time before morning arrives. Parents of young children, however, may find that the adjustment temporarily disrupts sleep schedules.
When Does the Time Change in November 2026?
Daylight saving time officially ends at 2 a.m. local time on Sunday, November 1, 2026. At that moment, clocks move back to 1 a.m. in areas that observe the change.
That means most Americans will gain an hour rather than lose one. The return to standard time also brings earlier sunrises and earlier sunsets during the fall and winter months.
- Date: Sunday, November 1, 2026
- Time: 2 a.m. local daylight saving time
- Clock adjustment: Turn clocks back one hour
- Result: Most people gain an extra hour overnight
Why the Fall Time Change Matters
Daylight saving time runs from March to early November across most of the United States. During that period, clocks operate one hour ahead of standard time, shifting more daylight into the evening.
When the fall change arrives, daylight returns to the morning. For example, in Boston, the National Weather Service reported that sunrise would move from 7:16 a.m. before the switch to 6:17 a.m. afterward. Sunset would shift from 5:39 p.m. to 4:37 p.m.
The United States first adopted daylight saving time in 1918 during World War I as an effort to conserve fuel. The Congressional Research Service says similar measures were later used during World War II and the energy crisis of the 1970s, although year-round daylight saving time did not remain in place.
Will Daylight Saving Time Become Permanent?
A major debate over the future of the clock change remains active in Congress. The Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent, passed the House in July 2026 and was sent to the Senate.
The proposal would also allow states to opt out of daylight saving time entirely before the measure takes effect. President Trump supports the legislation and has criticized Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton for allegedly delaying Senate action.
Cotton has argued that permanent daylight saving time could lead to unusually late winter sunrises. Congress previously experimented with year-round daylight saving time, but the policy was abandoned after public concerns grew.
The current bill faces a deadline because legislation awaiting action could expire in January when the newly elected class of lawmakers takes office. If that happens, supporters would need to restart the process in both chambers of Congress.
States That Do Not Change Their Clocks
Most states observe the twice-yearly time change, but there are notable exceptions. Hawaii and most of Arizona do not observe daylight saving time.
The Navajo Nation, which covers parts of Arizona, does observe the switch so its communities remain aligned with neighboring areas in New Mexico and Utah. Several U.S. territories also stay on standard time year-round.
- Hawaii
- Most of Arizona
- American Samoa
- Guam
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Puerto Rico
- U.S. Virgin Islands
Will Phones Change Automatically?
Most smartphones should update automatically overnight if they are set to use network-provided date and time settings. Apple, Google and Samsung all provide device instructions for checking automatic time adjustments.
Still, it is wise to confirm the time on wall clocks, car dashboards, alarm clocks, ovens and other devices before going to sleep. Businesses, travelers and anyone with early appointments should also review schedules carefully.
When Does Daylight Saving Time Start Again?
Daylight saving time is scheduled to return on Sunday, March 14, 2027, at 2 a.m. local time. Americans will then move clocks forward one hour and lose an hour overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the time change in 2026?
The time change takes place at 2 a.m. local time on Sunday, November 1, 2026. Most people will turn clocks back one hour.
Do we gain or lose an hour in November?
Most Americans gain one hour when daylight saving time ends. The extra hour makes up for the hour lost when clocks moved forward in March.
Which states do not observe daylight saving time?
Hawaii and most of Arizona remain on standard time year-round. Several U.S. territories also do not change their clocks.
When does daylight saving time begin again?
The next springtime change is scheduled for March 14, 2027, when clocks will move forward at 2 a.m.
