When Does Daylight Savings Begin and End in the US

Daylight saving time (DST) in the United States is a twice-yearly ritual that affects millions. In 2025, Americans will “spring forward” on March 9 and “fall back” on November 2. This time change impacts our daily routines, sleep patterns, and even energy consumption. The clock adjustment occurs at 2:00 AM on both dates. In March, we lose an hour as clocks jump to 3:00 AM. Come November, we gain that hour back when clocks revert to 1:00 AM. This DST schedule has been in place since 2007, following the Energy Policy Act of 2005. While most of the US observes this time change, there are exceptions. Hawaii and most of Arizona stick to standard time year-round. The practice of DST has a long history in the US, dating back to 1918. Its purpose? To make better use of daylight hours and conserve energy. Key Takeaways Understanding Daylight Savings Time in the United States Daylight Saving Time (DST) has been a part of American life for over 50 years. It changes our clocks twice a year, affecting our daily routines. But what is DST, and why do we observe it? What is Daylight Saving Time? DST is a practice where we move our clocks forward in March and backward in November. This extends daylight hours in summer evenings. In 2025, daylight savings starts on March 9 and ends on November 2. History and Purpose of Time Changes The US started DST in 1918 during World War I. The Standard Time Act introduced time zones and the idea of “saving daylight.” After several changes, the Uniform Time Act of 1966 set today’s DST rules. Federal Regulation and Oversight Today, federal law controls DST. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 changed when DST starts and ends. It aims to save energy, but studies show little effect. Many Americans wonder if the time changed today, showing DST’s ongoing importance. “The average person loses approximately 40 minutes of sleep on the Monday following the transition to DST in March.” Debates on DST’s benefits and health effects continue. Many states are thinking about making DST permanent or standard time. For now, Americans adjust their clocks twice a year. 2025 Daylight Savings Schedule Mark your calendars for daylight savings time 2025! This twice-yearly ritual affects millions of Americans, changing our clocks and daily routines. Spring Forward: March 9, 2025 On Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 2:00 A.M., we’ll spring forward. Clocks jump ahead one hour, shifting from 2:00 A.M. to 3:00 A.M. This means losing an hour of sleep but gaining more evening daylight. Fall Back: November 2, 2025 The fall time change happens on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 2:00 A.M. Clocks turn back one hour, reverting from 2:00 A.M. to 1:00 A.M. We gain an extra hour of sleep but lose evening light. Time Change Implementation The day light savings process affects most of the United States. Remember the phrase “spring forward, fall back” to know which way to adjust your clocks. Many digital devices update automatically, but manual clocks need adjusting. Did time change today? It’s a common question twice a year. To stay on track, consider setting reminders or changing your clocks before bed on the nights of March 8 and November 1, 2025. “The time change occurs twice a year: clocks are set forward 1 hour in March (losing 1 hour) and set back 1 hour in November (gaining 1 hour).” By following this schedule, you’ll be in sync with daylight saving time changes in 2025, avoiding confusion and missed appointments. States and Territories Observing DST As we get closer to the time change in 2025, it’s important to know which parts of the US follow daylight savings time. Most states and territories do, but there are some that don’t. Did daylight savings happen everywhere in the US? No, not quite. Arizona and Hawaii are the only two states that don’t follow DST. So, when others move their clocks forward in 2025, these states won’t. The 2025 daylight saving schedule will impact 48 states and some territories. Here’s a look at who observes DST: Observes DST Does Not Observe DST 48 States Arizona (except Navajo Nation) District of Columbia Hawaii 5 Major US Territories American Samoa Guam Northern Mariana Islands Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Interestingly, while most of the country follows daylight savings time, public opinion is changing. A CBS News/YouGov poll showed nearly 80% of Americans want to change the current system. This could influence future decisions on daylight savings time across states. Exceptions to Daylight Savings Rules While most of the United States follows the clock change 2025 schedule, some areas march to the beat of their own drum. Let’s explore the unique timekeeping practices across the nation. Arizona’s Unique Position Arizona stands out as a rebel against DST 2025. The state remains on Mountain Standard Time year-round, except for the Navajo Nation. This means when the time change spring 2025 rolls around, Arizonans won’t be adjusting their clocks. Hawaii’s Permanent Standard Time Hawaii also opts out of the biannual time switch. The Aloha State sticks to Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time throughout the year. So when folks ask, “When does the time change 2025?” Hawaiians simply shrug and say, “It doesn’t.” US Territories Time Observance Several US territories follow suit in not observing DST. American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands maintain standard time year-round. They won’t be participating in the clock change 2025 either. Location DST Observance Time Zone Arizona (except Navajo Nation) No Mountain Standard Time Hawaii No Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time American Samoa No Samoa Standard Time Guam No Chamorro Standard Time Puerto Rico No Atlantic Standard Time These exceptions create a patchwork of time observance across the US. While most Americans will be asking, “When does time change 2025?” residents in these areas will be enjoying their unchanging clocks all year long. Impact of Daylight Savings on Daily Life Daylight saving time 2025 will change our daily routines. The hour