Daylight Saving Time 2026: What You Need to Know

As spring approaches, it’s time to prepare for the annual shift in time known as Daylight Saving Time (DST). In 2026, most of the United States will “spring forward” on Sunday, March 8th, adjusting clocks ahead one hour.

When Does Daylight Saving Time Start in 2026?

Daylight Saving Time will start at 2:00 a.m. Local time on Sunday, March 8, 2026. At this time, clocks should be moved forward one hour, effectively changing 2:00 a.m. To 3:00 a.m. CBS News and Today.com both confirm this date.

Why Do We Have Daylight Saving Time?

The practice of Daylight Saving Time originated in the early 1900s as a way to conserve energy. By shifting daylight hours later into the evening, it was believed that less artificial light would be needed. Today.com explains that while controversial since its inception, DST has been repealed, re-enacted, and modified numerous times over the past century.

What are the Effects of “Springing Forward”?

“Springing forward” means losing an hour of sleep. While some appreciate the extra hour of daylight in the evening, many experience disruption to their sleep schedules. CBS News notes that most Americans lose an hour of sleep when the clocks change.

A Brief History of Daylight Saving Time

The implementation of Daylight Saving Time has varied over the years:

• 2007-Present: The second Sunday in March.
• 2007 Prior – 20 Years: The first Sunday of April.
• Prior to 1987: The last Sunday of April, as set by the Uniform Time Act of 1966.
• 1974: A brief experiment with year-round DST, beginning on the first Sunday of January, was abandoned later that year.

USA Today provides a detailed timeline of these changes.

Which States Don’t Observe Daylight Saving Time?

Most of Arizona and all of Hawaii do not observe Daylight Saving Time. It is not observed in American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. USA Today confirms this information.

When Does Daylight Saving Time End in 2026?

While the end date for Daylight Saving Time in 2026 hasn’t been explicitly stated in the sources, it traditionally ends on the first Sunday in November, when clocks are turned back to standard time.

Key Takeaways

• Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 2:00 a.m. Local time.
• Clocks should be moved forward one hour.
• The practice aims to conserve energy by extending daylight into the evening.
• Most of the U.S. Participates, but Arizona, Hawaii, and U.S. Territories are exceptions.