When Do Clocks Go Back in 2026? US Fall Time Change Date, Time and What To Know
Clocks across most of the United States will move back by one hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, marking the end of daylight saving time and the return to standard time. The change means clocks will jump back to 1 a.m., giving people an extra hour overnight but bringing earlier sunsets and more daylight in the morning. The twice-yearly clock change will continue because a federal proposal to make daylight saving time permanent has not cleared Congress.
The change affects daily routines, travel schedules, and the amount of daylight people get after work. Although President Donald Trump has called for an end to clock changes, the current system remains in place for most states. Hawaii, most of Arizona, and several US territories do not observe daylight saving time.
When Do Clocks Go Back in the US?
Daylight saving time ends on the first Sunday in November under the current US schedule. In 2026, that date falls on Nov. 1.
At 2 a.m. local daylight time, clocks in areas observing the change will move back to 1 a.m. local standard time. Many internet-connected phones and computers update automatically, but people may need to adjust clocks on appliances, watches, and some vehicles manually.
The United States began daylight saving time in 2026 on March 8, when clocks moved forward by one hour. The November change reverses that adjustment. Sunrise and sunset will both occur about an hour earlier by the clock, shifting more daylight toward the morning and leaving less light in the evening.
Why the US Changes Its Clocks Twice a Year
The United States first introduced daylight saving time in 1918 during World War I under the Standard Time Act. The aim was to make better use of daylight and reduce fuel consumption. The practice was also used during World War II before the country later established a more consistent system.
In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Uniform Time Act, which created a national framework for clock changes in states that observe daylight saving time. The current schedule, with the change beginning in March and ending in November, took effect in 2007 following the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
The idea is to shift an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening during the warmer months. When daylight saving time ends, the clock returns to standard time.
Why Trump’s Plan to End Clock Changes Has Stalled
President Donald Trump has repeatedly called for an end to the twice-yearly clock change. In an Oct. 2 post on Truth Social, he urged Senate Republicans to act on what he called the “No More Changing of Clocks Act,” referring to the Sunshine Protection Act, according to Outlook.
The bill seeks to make daylight saving time permanent, eliminating the annual switch back to standard time in November and forward again in March. However, the proposal remains stalled in the Senate and has not become law. For now, the existing clock-change schedule remains in place.
Which States Do Not Observe Daylight Saving Time?
Most US states observe daylight saving time, but Hawaii and most of Arizona remain on standard time throughout the year. The Navajo Nation, which extends into parts of Arizona, does observe the seasonal change.
Several US territories also stay on standard time year-round, including Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the US Virgin Islands.
Travelers should check local time rules when crossing state borders or arranging flights and appointments, as not every US location changes its clocks on Nov. 1.
Does Daylight Saving Time Actually Save Energy?
The original goal was to reduce energy use, but research has questioned how much the practice saves today.
A 2008 U.S. Department of Energy study found that extending daylight saving time reduced energy consumption by about 0.02%, with no measurable effect on vehicle fuel use. A 2020 Congressional Research Service review also examined research into its effects on energy, travel, crime, and other areas.
Health is another concern. A 2020 academic study found evidence that switching between daylight saving time and standard time may increase the risk of heart attacks. However, the supplied reports do not establish that every clock change causes a heart attack or that all people face the same level of risk.
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