Daylight saving time is scheduled to end at 2 a.m. local time on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, for most of the United States. Residents in participating regions will set their clocks back one hour, returning to standard time and gaining an hour of sleep while experiencing earlier sunsets and brighter mornings.
The practice of changing clocks twice a year has been governed by federal law since the Uniform Time Act of 1966. While the schedule has been adjusted over the decades, the current system of "springing forward" in March and "falling back" in November has been in place since 2007. Hawaii, most of Arizona, and several U.S. territories do not observe the change, staying on standard time year-round.
Health organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, advocate for permanent standard time. They state that standard time better aligns with human biology and the circadian rhythm by providing morning light that helps synchronize the brain's internal clock. Conversely, proponents of permanent daylight saving time, such as Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), argue that extra evening light benefits the economy, particularly tourism, and encourages outdoor activity.
The concrete daily impact for residents will be a shift in daylight availability starting Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026. Individuals will notice sunrise and sunset occurring roughly one hour earlier by the clock, which can reduce daylight for outdoor activities after school or work. For shift workers or those with seasonal affective disorder, the reduction in evening light may present specific challenges. Additionally, the spring transition has been linked to temporary increases in car crashes and heart attacks, though the fall transition is generally considered easier for the body to manage.
Current legislative efforts to end the practice remain stalled. The Sunshine Protection Act, sponsored by Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL), was passed by the House of Representatives in July 2026 with a 308-117 vote. While the bill has the support of President Donald Trump, it has not yet advanced in the Senate. Unless new legislation is signed into law, the U.S. is scheduled to return to daylight saving time on March 14, 2027. Experts recommend getting morning sunlight and adjusting bedtimes by 15-minute increments in the days leading up to the change to ease the transition.