Twice a year, millions of Americans adjust their clocks — either forward or backward — due to Daylight Saving Time (DST). But why does this happen, and how does it affect daily life?
Here’s everything you need to know about when and where the time changes in the U.S., how it impacts people, and how different countries approach clock changes.
When Do Clocks Change?
In the U.S., Daylight Saving Time begins on the second Sunday of March and ends on the first Sunday of November:
This system was created to make better use of natural daylight and reduce energy consumption, but it has long been a topic of debate.
When Do Clocks Change?
In the U.S., Daylight Saving Time begins on the second Sunday of March and ends on the first Sunday of November:
- In March, clocks move forward by one hour at 2:00 AM, meaning people lose an hour of sleep but gain more daylight in the evening.
- In November, clocks move back by one hour at 2:00 AM, adding an extra hour of sleep but shortening daylight in the evening.
This system was created to make better use of natural daylight and reduce energy consumption, but it has long been a topic of debate.
How Does the Time Change Affect People?
Changing the clocks affects more than just alarm times. Here’s how it impacts everyday life:
Where in the U.S. Do Clocks Change?
Most of the U.S. follows Daylight Saving Time, but not all areas participate. Some states and territories do not change their clocks.
States that do not observe DST:
U.S. territories that do not change clocks:
These regions remain on standard time throughout the year, avoiding the time shifts that affect the rest of the country.
Changing the clocks affects more than just alarm times. Here’s how it impacts everyday life:
- Sleep disruption — Many people struggle to adjust to the new sleep schedule, especially after the springtime change when they lose an hour of sleep.
- Work productivity — Studies show that after the time change, particularly in March, employees tend to be less productive for several days.
- Health effects — Time shifts are linked to increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, and workplace accidents due to disrupted sleep patterns.
- Traffic accidents — In the days following the time change, the number of car crashes tends to rise as people adapt to the new schedule.
- Mood and mental health — Shorter daylight hours in winter can contribute to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is linked to reduced sunlight exposure.
Where in the U.S. Do Clocks Change?
Most of the U.S. follows Daylight Saving Time, but not all areas participate. Some states and territories do not change their clocks.
States that do not observe DST:
- Hawaii — Stays on standard time year-round due to its proximity to the equator, where daylight hours remain fairly consistent.
- Arizona — Most of the state does not change clocks, except for the Navajo Nation, which follows DST.
U.S. territories that do not change clocks:
- Puerto Rico
- Guam
- American Samoa
- Northern Mariana Islands
- U.S. Virgin Islands
These regions remain on standard time throughout the year, avoiding the time shifts that affect the rest of the country.
Time Change in California
California follows the standard federal DST schedule, switching to daylight and standard time as required. However, state residents have repeatedly voted on whether to eliminate time changes. In 2018, a bill was passed to allow California to remain on a fixed time, but it requires approval from the U.S. Congress. So far, no changes have been implemented, and California continues to observe seasonal time shifts.
Do All Countries Change Their Clocks?
No! Many countries have either never used Daylight Saving Time or have abolished it. Here’s how different regions approach time changes:
Countries that use Daylight Saving Time:
Countries that do not change clocks:
Many other nations are discussing eliminating DST due to its negative effects on health and productivity.
California follows the standard federal DST schedule, switching to daylight and standard time as required. However, state residents have repeatedly voted on whether to eliminate time changes. In 2018, a bill was passed to allow California to remain on a fixed time, but it requires approval from the U.S. Congress. So far, no changes have been implemented, and California continues to observe seasonal time shifts.
Do All Countries Change Their Clocks?
No! Many countries have either never used Daylight Saving Time or have abolished it. Here’s how different regions approach time changes:
Countries that use Daylight Saving Time:
- United States (except Hawaii and most of Arizona)
- Canada (most provinces)
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- France
- Spain
- Australia (except Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory)
- New Zealand
Countries that do not change clocks:
- China — Stays on the same time year-round.
- Japan — Abandoned DST after World War II.
- India — Has a single time zone with no DST.
- Indonesia — Stays on the same time all year.
- South Africa — Does not observe DST.
Many other nations are discussing eliminating DST due to its negative effects on health and productivity.
Will the U.S. Eliminate DST?
In recent years, there have been multiple efforts to either eliminate Daylight Saving Time or make it permanent. In 2022, the U.S. Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which proposed keeping DST year-round. However, the bill has not yet been enacted.
Many states have already passed laws to move to permanent daylight time, but they require federal approval. The debate continues, and the U.S. may eventually change its time system.
For now, Americans must remember the classic phrase: "Spring forward, fall back". Whether you love or hate the time change, it remains an important tradition in many countries. While some regions abandon DST, others continue the practice in pursuit of longer daylight hours and potential energy savings.
In recent years, there have been multiple efforts to either eliminate Daylight Saving Time or make it permanent. In 2022, the U.S. Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which proposed keeping DST year-round. However, the bill has not yet been enacted.
Many states have already passed laws to move to permanent daylight time, but they require federal approval. The debate continues, and the U.S. may eventually change its time system.
For now, Americans must remember the classic phrase: "Spring forward, fall back". Whether you love or hate the time change, it remains an important tradition in many countries. While some regions abandon DST, others continue the practice in pursuit of longer daylight hours and potential energy savings.