Image Source: The Washington Post
When does time go back? In 2026, most Americans will set their clocks back one hour at 2 a.m. local time on Sunday, Nov. 1. The annual switch comes just after Halloween and gives people an extra hour of sleep, although the change can temporarily disrupt household routines and children’s schedules.
The change marks the end of daylight saving time and the return to standard time across most of the United States. Clocks will move from 2 a.m. back to 1 a.m., making the overnight hour occur twice.
When Does Time Go Back in 2026?
Daylight saving time officially ends at 2 a.m. local time on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026. Americans in states that observe the time change will “fall back” one hour.
- Date: Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026
- Time: 2 a.m. local time
- What happens: Clocks move back one hour
- Result: Most people gain an hour of sleep
The end of daylight saving time has occurred on the first Sunday of November since 2007. Before that change, the fall transition took place earlier in the season. The updated schedule was created by a 2005 federal law that extended daylight saving time in the spring and summer.
Why the Fall Time Change Matters
Daylight saving time is the period when most of the country operates one hour ahead of standard time. The system is designed to shift more daylight into the evening during the spring and summer months.
When the clocks return to standard time, sunrise and sunset both arrive earlier by the clock. For example, in Boston, sunrise is expected at 7:16 a.m. and sunset at 5:39 p.m. on the Saturday before the transition. On Sunday, sunrise will be around 6:17 a.m., while sunset will occur near 4:37 p.m., according to National Weather Service information cited by CBS News.
The extra hour may feel welcome, but the earlier darkness can affect commuting, outdoor activities and evening routines. Parents of young children may also notice sleep disruptions as children adjust to the new schedule.
Will Daylight Saving Time Become Permanent?
The future of the twice-yearly clock change remains uncertain. The Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent, passed the House in July 2026 and was sent to the Senate.
President Trump supports the legislation and has criticized Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton for allegedly delaying action. Cotton has argued that Congress has previously tried year-round daylight saving time, only to reverse course after Americans experienced very late winter sunrises.
The legislation also includes a provision allowing states to opt out of daylight saving time entirely before any permanent change takes effect. If the Senate does not act before the current congressional session ends in January, the bill could expire. Supporters would then need to begin the legislative process again.
Which States Do Not Change Their Clocks?
Hawaii and most of Arizona do not observe daylight saving time. The Navajo Nation, which extends across parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, does observe the change so its communities remain aligned with neighboring states.
Several U.S. territories also remain on standard time year-round, including American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Will Phones Change Automatically?
Most smartphones, computers and connected devices should update automatically when they are set to use network-provided time and time-zone information. Apple, Google and Samsung all provide instructions for checking automatic date and time settings.
People should still check clocks that do not connect to the internet, including appliances, vehicles, wall clocks and traditional alarm clocks. Updating those devices before bed on Saturday night can help prevent missed appointments or confusion Sunday morning.
Although the fall transition provides an extra hour, experts commonly recommend keeping regular sleep habits and avoiding major schedule changes. The earlier sunset can also be a reminder to use caution during evening travel, when pedestrians and cyclists may be harder to see.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does time go back in 2026?
Clocks go back at 2 a.m. local time on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, in most parts of the United States that observe daylight saving time.
Do we gain or lose an hour in November?
Most Americans gain one hour when daylight saving time ends. The clock moves from 2 a.m. back to 1 a.m., repeating that hour.
When does daylight saving time start again?
Daylight saving time is scheduled to begin again at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 14, 2027.
Which states do not observe daylight saving time?
Hawaii and most of Arizona do not change their clocks. Several U.S. territories also remain on standard time throughout the year.
