Daylight saving time ends across most of the United States this Sunday, November 1, when clocks turn back one hour at 2 a.m. local time. The shift returns participating states to standard time, brings earlier sunsets by the clock and gives people the opportunity to gain an extra hour in their overnight schedule. The next seasonal change is scheduled for March 14, 2027, under current federal rules.
TL;DR: What to know about the November 2026 time change
- Date: Sunday, November 1, 2026.
- Time: At 2 a.m., clocks move back to 1 a.m. local time.
- What changes: Mornings become lighter by the clock, while sunsets occur earlier.
- Exceptions: Hawaii, most of Arizona and several U.S. territories do not observe daylight saving time.
- Next change: Daylight saving time is scheduled to resume March 14, 2027.
- Legislation: The Sunshine Protection Act passed the House in July but has not become law.
When does daylight saving time end in 2026?
Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, November 1, 2026, in most of the country. The change takes place at 2 a.m. local daylight time, when clocks move back to 1 a.m. standard time.
The transition follows the federal schedule established under the Uniform Time Act, as amended. Under current rules, daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November. The U.S. Naval Observatory lists November 1 as the 2026 end date.
The switch happens according to each location’s local time zone, so the transition does not occur simultaneously nationwide. The U.S. Naval Observatory and Time.gov provide the official schedule.
| KEY DATE | WHAT HAPPENS |
|---|---|
| Sunday, March 8, 2026 | Daylight saving time began; clocks moved forward one hour |
| Sunday, November 1, 2026 | Daylight saving time ends; clocks move back one hour |
| Sunday, March 14, 2027 | Daylight saving time is scheduled to begin again |
What time do clocks fall back on November 1?
People in areas observing daylight saving time should turn their clocks back from 2 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Sunday, November 1.
That means the hour between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. occurs twice. The repeated hour can affect overnight work shifts, travel plans and appointments scheduled during that period.
Most smartphones, computers and internet-connected devices adjust automatically when their time-zone settings are correct. However, some wall clocks, older car clocks, appliances and other devices may need to be changed manually.
Before going to bed Saturday night, October 31, check your clocks so you are ready for Sunday morning.
Which states do not observe daylight saving time?
Not every part of the United States changes its clocks in November. Hawaii and most of Arizona remain on standard time throughout the year. Several U.S. territories also do not observe daylight saving time.
| STATE OR TERRITORY | OBSERVES DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME? |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | No |
| Most of Arizona | No |
| Puerto Rico | No |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | No |
| American Samoa | No |
| Guam | No |
| Northern Mariana Islands | No |
Arizona has an important exception: the Navajo Nation observes daylight saving time, including within its territory in Arizona. The state should not be described as having a single uniform rule across every community.
Most other states, including California, Florida, Texas, New York and Illinois, follow the federal schedule. The U.S. Department of Transportation explains the rules and exemptions on its Daylight Saving Time page.
How the time change affects sunrise and sunset
Turning clocks back does not change the number of hours of daylight available. Instead, it shifts daylight earlier on the clock.
After the transition, sunrise and sunset will generally occur about one hour earlier according to local clock time than they did the day before. The practical result is more morning light and less evening light.
For example, a sunset that occurred shortly after 6 p.m. before the change may occur shortly after 5 p.m. afterward. The exact times depend on the city, date and time zone.
The change is particularly noticeable in the weeks leading into winter, when days continue to shorten in the Northern Hemisphere. The winter solstice, the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, falls on December 21, 2026.
Readers looking for precise sunrise and sunset times should check local data for their city rather than relying on statewide estimates.
Does the time change affect sleep?
The fall transition allows for an extra hour on the clock, but that does not guarantee everyone will sleep an additional hour. Work schedules, children’s routines and individual sleep patterns can affect how people experience the change.
The body’s circadian rhythm—the internal system that helps regulate sleep and wakefulness—is influenced by light exposure. Morning light helps synchronize that rhythm, while light later in the evening can delay the release of melatonin, a hormone involved in preparing the body for sleep.
Sleep experts generally favor permanent standard time because it aligns more closely with the natural light-dark cycle. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has argued that permanent standard time is better aligned with human circadian biology.
The evidence on time changes also needs to be interpreted carefully. Some studies have associated the spring transition with short-term increases in traffic accidents and certain cardiovascular events. Those findings should not automatically be applied to the fall change, which involves a different shift in the sleep schedule.
A few practical steps may help make the transition easier:
- Keep a consistent bedtime and wake-up time.
- Get natural light in the morning when possible.
- Avoid caffeine late in the day if it interferes with sleep.
- Check alarms and electronic devices before the transition.
Will the United States stop changing its clocks?
The debate over permanent daylight saving time remains unresolved. The Sunshine Protection Act of 2025, H.R. 139, would make daylight saving time permanent under its proposed provisions.
The House of Representatives passed the bill on July 14, 2026, by a vote of 308 to 117. The measure was sent to the Senate on July 15 and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. It has not become law.
Supporters argue that permanent daylight saving time would provide more evening daylight and could benefit recreation, commerce and some public-safety goals. Critics, including medical organizations that favor permanent standard time, warn that darker winter mornings could conflict with school and work schedules and disrupt circadian rhythms.
For now, the existing federal schedule remains in effect. Residents should plan for the November 1 change unless a new law is enacted.
Readers can follow the bill’s official status through GovInfo’s record of H.R. 139.
When does daylight saving time start again in 2027?
Under current law, daylight saving time is scheduled to return on Sunday, March 14, 2027. At 2 a.m. local standard time, clocks will move forward to 3 a.m.
The spring transition removes an hour from the overnight clock schedule and shifts daylight later by the clock. The date could change only if the applicable law changes before then.
FAQ
Do we turn the clocks back this weekend?
Yes. In areas that observe daylight saving time, clocks go back one hour on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 2 a.m. local time.
Do we gain an hour of sleep when clocks fall back?
The clock change creates an extra hour in the overnight schedule, but people do not necessarily sleep for the entire additional hour.
Will my phone change the time automatically?
Most smartphones and internet-connected devices update automatically when automatic time and time-zone settings are enabled. Older clocks and some appliances may need manual adjustment.
Which states do not change their clocks?
Hawaii and most of Arizona do not observe daylight saving time. The Navajo Nation does observe it, and U.S. territories including Puerto Rico and Guam also remain on standard time year-round.
When does daylight saving time start again?
Under the current schedule, daylight saving time resumes on Sunday, March 14, 2027, when clocks move forward one hour at 2 a.m. local standard time.
Has Congress approved permanent daylight saving time?
No. The House passed the Sunshine Protection Act of 2025 in July 2026, but the bill was referred to a Senate committee and has not become law. The November clock change remains scheduled under existing rules.
