Daylight Saving Time 2026: When Clocks Fall Back (Nov 1)

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⏰ MARK YOUR CALENDAR

DST 2026 ends Sunday, November 1 at 2:00 AM — clocks fall back 1 hour.

Set clocks back before bed on Saturday, October 31 · Extra hour of sleep

Quick Answer

Daylight Saving Time 2026 ends Sunday, November 1 at 2:00 AM, when clocks fall back one hour to 1:00 AM. Set your clocks back before bed on Saturday, October 31. This year, there's also an active debate in Congress about making DST permanent — but for now, the clock change stands.

Fall is coming, and with it the annual clock change. Here's everything you need to know about Daylight Saving Time 2026.

DST 2026: Key Dates

EventDate
DST beganSunday, March 8, 2026 (sprang forward)
DST endsSunday, November 1, 2026 (fall back)
Next DST beginsSunday, March 14, 2027

Why Do We Change the Clocks?

DST was first adopted in the US during World War I to save energy. It was standardized by the Uniform Time Act of 1966 and updated by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which set the current schedule: DST runs from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November.

Will DST Be Made Permanent?

There's an active push in Congress — the Sunshine Protection Act — to make DST permanent. In 2026, the debate has continued, but no change has been enacted, so clocks will still change on November 1. Two states never change: Arizona (except Navajo Nation) and Hawaii, plus US territories.

Tips for the Time Change

  • Set clocks back before bed Saturday, October 31
  • 😴 Enjoy the extra hour of sleep
  • 🌅 Expect earlier sunrises and darker evenings
  • 🚗 Drive carefully — studies show accident risk rises around the change
  • 📱 Most phones update automatically — check analog and car clocks manually

FAQ — Daylight Saving Time 2026

When does Daylight Saving Time end in 2026?
Daylight Saving Time 2026 ends on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 2:00 AM local time. Clocks fall back one hour to 1:00 AM — set your clocks back before bed on Saturday, October 31.
When did Daylight Saving Time start in 2026?
Daylight Saving Time 2026 began on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 2:00 AM, when clocks sprang forward one hour. It follows the Energy Policy Act pattern used since 2007.
Why do we change the clocks?
DST was adopted in the US during World War I and standardized by the Uniform Time Act of 1966, updated by the Energy Policy Act of 2005. It aims to shift daylight to evening hours during spring and summer.
Will Daylight Saving Time be made permanent?
There is an ongoing push in Congress to make DST permanent (the Sunshine Protection Act). In 2026, the House has been debating the issue, but no final change has been enacted — clocks are still expected to change on November 1.
What states don't observe Daylight Saving Time?
Arizona (except the Navajo Nation) and Hawaii do not observe DST. Puerto Rico, Guam, the US Virgin Islands, and American Samoa also stay on standard time year-round.