Clock change in the US: Here is when Daylight Saving Time 2026 begins

Citizens of the United States will soon be turning their clock hands again, as the beginning approaches Daylight Saving Time 2026. Like every year, most Americans will have to adjust their clocks and routines, while certain states and territories remain an exception.

The US changes the time twice a year – in March they switch to daylight saving time, while in November they return to standard time.

When does Daylight Saving Time start in 2026?

Daylight saving time in 2026 begins on Sunday, March 8, 2026.

Clocks were last moved on November 2, 2025, when the country switched to standard time. Now, on the second weekend in March, the time will change again and will last for almost eight months.

Does the clock move forward or backward?

In March, the clocks are moved forward by one hour – the well-known rule is „spring forward“.

The change officially takes place at 2:00 a.m., when the clocks are moved forward to 3:00. This means Americans will lose an hour of sleep, but evenings will be longer and brighter.

Most smartphones, computers, and other electronic devices will update the time automatically. However, analog clocks and some home appliances need to be adjusted manually before going to sleep.

When is the time changing again in 2026?

Daylight Saving Time will last for almost eight months. In 2026, the return to standard time is scheduled for Sunday, November 1, 2026.

Then the clock hands are moved back by one hour – „fall back“ – which means citizens will get an extra hour of sleep.

Which countries do not change their clocks?

Although most of the US observes time changes twice a year, there are exceptions.

Hawaii and most of the state of Arizona do not observe Daylight Saving Time, so the time there does not change during the year.

Also, the following U.S. territories do not participate in the time change:

• Puerto Rico
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Guam
• American Samoa

It is interesting that Arizona has not observed daylight saving time since 1968, but the Navajo Nation, located in the northeast of the state, nevertheless moves its clocks twice a year.

Why does the US change the time?

The goal of daylight saving time is to better utilize daylight during the warmer months, reduce energy consumption, and extend evening activities in natural light. However, every year there is a debate about whether this practice should be abolished or made permanent.

For now, the schedule remains the same – the second weekend in March for the transition to daylight saving time and the first weekend in November for the return to standard time.

US citizens should therefore mark March 8, 2026, in their calendars and prepare to set their clocks forward.

SOURCE: EN.AS.COM PHOTO: PEXELS