Daylight saving time 2026 ending: When to 'fall back'
Daylight saving time is on track to end, despite a renewed push in Congress this year to keep daylight saving time permanent.
The proposed Sunshine Protection Act has stalled and most Americans will have to "fall back" soon. That means many Americans will "gain" an extra hour and switch clocks and timepieces back an hour.
Before clock changes kick in, here's everything to know about daylight saving time.
When does daylight saving time end?
This autumn, daylight saving time is scheduled to end on Nov. 1, 2026 at 2:00 a.m. local time, which then becomes 1:00 a.m. local standard time.
Which states do not observe daylight saving time?
Not all 50 states participate in daylight saving time. Most of Arizona and Hawaii observe standard time year round, according to the Department of Transportation, as well as the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
The Navajo Nation in parts of Arizona is an exception to the current rule and observes daylight saving time, like its neighboring lands in New Mexico, Utah and Colorado.
What is the proposal to keep daylight saving time permanently?
Daylight saving time is governed by Title 15, Chapter 6, Subchapter IX - Standard Time of the U.S. Code, which was enacted by Congress. In the fall, the first Sunday in November is when clocks are set back.
The practice of daylight saving time dates back more than 50 years. During the oil crisis of the 1970s, Congress ended daylight saving time to conserve energy, but quickly rolled it back when some parents objected to sending their kids to school in the dark, early morning hours. The legislation was repealed in 1974.
Over the years, the debate to keep or repeal daylight saving time has continued and most recently, the Sunshine Protection Act of 2025, sponsored by Rep. Vern Buchanan of Florida, passed the House of Representatives with a 308 to 117 majority in favor of ending the practice of changing clocks twice a year.
Proponents of keeping daylight saving time, such as Florida Rep. Gus Bilirakis argue that doing so would benefit the economy and encourage more outdoor activity.
"In a state like Florida, my home state of Florida, where tourism is a cornerstone of our economy, having more predictable daylight hours is a practical improvement that benefits workers, businesses, and visitors alike," Bilirakis said in Congress on July 14.
Opponents to the bill claim more debate and consideration is needed before such an impactful change across a majority of U.S. states gets implemented.
The bill was sent to the Senate for consideration in July but has since stalled in the chamber.
