Millions of Americans will turn their clocks back overnight as daylight saving time ends across most of the United States on Sunday, November 1, 2026. The change takes place at 2 a.m. local daylight time, when clocks move back to 1 a.m. standard time. The transition marks the end of the 2026 daylight saving period, brings earlier sunsets by the clock and gives residents an additional hour in the overnight schedule.
TL;DR: What time do clocks fall back tonight?
- Date: Sunday, November 1, 2026.
- Exact time: At 2 a.m. local time, clocks move back to 1 a.m.
- What happens: The hour between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. repeats.
- Who changes clocks: Most U.S. states observe the transition.
- Exceptions: Hawaii, most of Arizona and several U.S. territories do not observe daylight saving time.
- Next change: Daylight saving time is scheduled to return on March 14, 2027.
What time do clocks fall back tonight?
Clocks fall back at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, in areas of the United States that observe daylight saving time. At that moment, the clock moves back to 1 a.m., returning those locations to standard time.
The transition takes place according to local time zones, not at one simultaneous moment across the country. New York and other Eastern Time locations make the change before Central, Mountain and Pacific Time areas reach their own 2 a.m. transition.
The hour between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. occurs twice. This is why people may see the same hour repeated on clocks and electronic schedules during the overnight change.
| Time zone | Clock change on november 1 |
|---|---|
| Eastern Time | 2 a.m. EDT becomes 1 a.m. EST |
| Central Time | 2 a.m. CDT becomes 1 a.m. CST |
| Mountain Time | 2 a.m. MDT becomes 1 a.m. MST |
| Pacific Time | 2 a.m. PDT becomes 1 a.m. PST |
The change follows the federal schedule established under the Uniform Time Act, as amended. The U.S. Naval Observatory lists November 1 as the end of daylight saving time for 2026.
Do we gain an hour of sleep when clocks go back?
The fall transition creates an extra hour in the overnight clock schedule. When the clock moves from 2 a.m. back to 1 a.m., the hour between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. repeats.
People may use that additional hour to sleep, although it does not guarantee that everyone will get an extra hour of rest. Work schedules, overnight shifts, travel and individual sleep patterns can affect how people experience the change.
The November adjustment is different from the spring transition, when clocks move forward and one hour is removed from the overnight schedule.
Which states do not change their clocks tonight?
Most U.S. states observe daylight saving time and will turn their clocks back on November 1. However, 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 daykight 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. Therefore, not every community in the state follows the same clock schedule.
Most other states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York and Illinois, follow the November 1 transition. The Department of Transportation provides information about federal daylight saving time rules and exemptions.
Will phones and computers change the time automatically?
Most smartphones, computers and internet-connected devices should update automatically when their automatic date, time and time-zone settings are enabled.
However, some traditional clocks and household devices may need to be adjusted manually. Before going to bed Saturday night, October 31, check:
- Wall clocks: Traditional analog clocks generally require manual adjustment.
- Car clocks: Older vehicle displays may not update automatically.
- Kitchen appliances: Some ovens and microwaves retain their previous time.
- Alarm clocks: Check standalone digital alarms before Sunday morning.
- Watches: Adjust watches that do not synchronize with a phone or network.
If a phone does not show the correct time after the transition, check its automatic date and time settings and confirm that the selected time zone is correct.
Why will it get dark earlier after daylight saving time ends?
After clocks fall back, sunrise and sunset generally occur about one hour earlier by the clock than they did the previous day. This means more daylight in the morning and less in the evening.
The transition does not eliminate an hour of sunlight. It changes how daylight is distributed across the clock schedule.
The earlier sunsets become increasingly noticeable as the Northern Hemisphere moves toward winter. The winter solstice, the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, falls on December 21, 2026.
Sunrise and sunset times vary by city and date. Residents should consult local astronomical data for precise times in their communities.
Will the United States stop changing clocks?
The debate over permanent daylight saving time remains unresolved. The Sunshine Protection Act of 2025, H.R. 139, proposes making daylight saving time permanent under its provisions.
The House of Representatives passed the measure on July 14, 2026, by a vote of 308 to 117. It was referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the following day, but it has not become law.
Supporters argue that permanent daylight saving time would provide more evening daylight. Opponents, including medical organizations that favor permanent standard time, warn that darker winter mornings could affect school and work schedules and disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm.
For now, the current federal schedule remains in effect. The November 1 clock change will take place as planned unless Congress enacts a new law.
When does daylight saving time start again in 2027?
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.
That spring transition will mark the beginning of the next daylight saving period in participating states. Until then, those locations will remain on standard time.
FAQ
Do clocks fall back tonight at 2 a.m.?
Yes. In areas that observe daylight saving time, clocks move back from 2 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2026.
Is the clock change on Saturday night or Sunday morning?
The official transition occurs early Sunday morning, November 1. Many people adjust manual clocks before going to bed on Saturday, October 31.
Do we gain an hour when daylight saving time ends?
Yes. The clock repeats the hour between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m., creating an additional hour in the overnight schedule.
Does every state turn clocks back?
No. Hawaii and most of Arizona do not observe daylight saving time. The Navajo Nation is an exception within Arizona. Several U.S. territories also remain on standard time year-round.
Will my phone change the time automatically?
Most smartphones and connected devices update automatically if automatic date, time and time-zone settings are enabled. Some older clocks, car displays and appliances may need manual adjustment.
When do clocks spring forward again?
The next scheduled start of daylight saving time is Sunday, March 14, 2027. At 2 a.m. local standard time, clocks will move forward to 3 a.m.
