The final weekend of October marks the last stretch of daylight saving time in the United States. On Sunday, November 1, 2026, clocks will move back one hour at 2 a.m. local time in most of the country, returning participating states to standard time. The transition means an extra hour on the clock overnight, earlier sunsets and a different morning routine for millions of residents.
TL;DR: The November 2026 time change
- When: Sunday, November 1, 2026.
- What time: At 2 a.m., clocks move back to 1 a.m. local time.
- What it means: The hour between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. repeats.
- Who changes clocks: Most U.S. states observe the transition.
- Who does not: Hawaii, most of Arizona and several U.S. territories remain on standard time throughout the year.
- Next time change: Daylight saving time is scheduled to return March 14, 2027.
When does daylight saving time end in 2026?
Daylight saving time ends Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 2 a.m. local time in areas that observe the seasonal clock change. At that moment, clocks move back to 1 a.m., marking the return to standard time.
The date follows the federal calendar established under the Uniform Time Act, as amended. The law sets the end of daylight saving time for the first Sunday in November and its beginning for the second Sunday in March.
The United States began daylight saving time on March 8, 2026. Its next scheduled transition will take place in March 2027.
| Date | Time change |
|---|---|
| March 8, 2026 | Clocks moved forward from 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. |
| November 1, 2026 | Clocks move back from 2 a.m. to 1 a.m. |
| March 14, 2027 | Clocks are scheduled to move forward from 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. |
The National Institute of Standards and Technology and the U.S. Naval Observatory confirm the 2026 schedule.
What should you do before clocks fall back?
The easiest way to prepare is to check which clocks in your home, vehicle and workplace rely on automatic updates.
Most smartphones, computers, tablets and internet-connected devices change their time automatically when automatic date, time and time-zone settings are enabled. Other clocks may require manual adjustment.
Before going to bed Saturday, October 31, consider checking:
- Wall clocks: Adjust traditional clocks that do not connect to the internet.
- Car clocks: Check the dashboard display, particularly in older vehicles.
- Kitchen appliances: Some ovens, microwaves and other appliances do not update automatically.
- Watches: Confirm the time on analog and digital watches that are not synchronized.
- Alarms: Make sure alarm clocks and other wake-up devices show the correct time.
- Appointments: Review overnight work shifts, travel arrangements and early Sunday commitments.
Changing clocks before going to bed can prevent confusion the following morning. People who rely on digital calendars should also check that their devices use the correct time zone.
Do phones and computers change automatically?
Most modern phones and computers adjust automatically when the automatic time and time-zone settings are enabled.
On smartphones, the change generally happens without requiring the user to reset the clock manually. The same applies to many computers and connected devices.
However, an incorrect time-zone setting, disabled automatic updates or an outdated device can cause problems. If the clock does not change as expected, check the device’s date and time settings and confirm that the correct time zone is selected.
Traditional clocks, some car displays and older household appliances may still need a manual adjustment.
Which states and territories do not change their clocks?
Most of the United States observes daylight saving time, but there are important exceptions. Hawaii and most of Arizona remain on standard time throughout the year.
The following U.S. territories also do not observe the seasonal clock change:
| State or territory | Daylight Saving Time |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | Not observed |
| Most of Arizona | Not observed |
| Puerto Rico | Not observed |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | Not observed |
| American Samoa | Not observed |
| Guam | Not observed |
| Northern Mariana Islands | Not observed |
Arizona has a notable geographic exception. The Navajo Nation observes daylight saving time, including communities within Arizona. This means that not every area of the state follows the same clock schedule.
The federal rules allow states to exempt themselves from daylight saving time by law, but states that observe it must follow the federally established transition dates. The Department of Transportation oversees the country’s daylight saving time rules.
Why does it get dark earlier after clocks fall back?
The November transition shifts daylight toward the morning on the clock. It does not reduce the actual amount of sunlight available in a day.
After clocks move back, sunrise and sunset generally occur about one hour earlier according to local clock time than they did immediately before the transition. That means mornings become brighter earlier, while evening darkness arrives sooner by the clock.
The effect becomes more noticeable as the Northern Hemisphere approaches winter. Daylight hours continue to decrease until the winter solstice on December 21, 2026.
The exact sunrise and sunset times vary by location. Residents in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston and other cities should consult local astronomical data for accurate times rather than assume that the entire state follows one schedule.
Does turning clocks back give you an extra hour of sleep?
The fall time change creates an additional hour in the overnight schedule because the period between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. repeats. People may use that time to sleep, although the transition does not guarantee an extra hour of rest for everyone.
Sleep routines can still be affected by the change, particularly for people with early work schedules, overnight shifts or children whose bedtimes are tied to a fixed routine.
The body’s circadian rhythm responds to environmental signals, especially exposure to light and darkness. Morning light helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle, while exposure to bright light later in the evening can delay the release of melatonin.
To make the adjustment easier, consider these steps:
- Maintain a consistent bedtime and wake-up time.
- Get natural light during the morning.
- Avoid caffeine late in the afternoon or evening if it affects your sleep.
- Keep bedroom lighting low before bedtime.
- Give children time to adjust to changes in their daily schedules.
The fall transition is different from the spring change, when clocks move forward and one hour is lost from the overnight schedule. Research findings about the effects of the spring transition should not automatically be attributed to the November change.
When will daylight saving time return in 2027?
Daylight saving time is scheduled to return on Sunday, March 14, 2027, under the current federal calendar.
At 2 a.m. local standard time, clocks will move forward to 3 a.m. The transition will mark the beginning of another daylight saving period across participating states.
The schedule could change if Congress enacts new legislation, but the November 2026 transition remains in place under existing federal rules.
FAQ
What date does daylight saving time end in 2026?
Daylight saving time ends Sunday, November 1, 2026, in most of the United States. Clocks move back one hour at 2 a.m. local time.
Do I change my clock before going to bed on Saturday?
You can turn clocks back before going to bed on Saturday, October 31, or adjust them on Sunday morning. The official change takes place at 2 a.m. local time on November 1.
Do clocks go back from 2 a.m. to 1 a.m.?
Yes. In areas that observe daylight saving time, the clock moves from 2 a.m. back to 1 a.m. The hour between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. therefore occurs twice.
Will my iPhone or Android phone change automatically?
Most smartphones update automatically if their automatic date, time and time-zone settings are enabled. Users should check those settings if their device does not display the correct time.
Which U.S. states do not observe daylight saving time?
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.
When do clocks spring forward again?
The next scheduled start of daylight saving time is Sunday, March 14, 2027. At 2 a.m., clocks will move forward to 3 a.m. in participating areas.
