Daylight saving time 2026: When does it start and end? Which states don't change clocks?

Daylight saving time, the yearly time change colloquially known as daylight savings, is about to start for 2026. Here are some important details to know.

Published on: Mar 08, 2026 10:39 AM IST

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Daylight saving time, the yearly time change colloquially known as daylight savings, is about to start for 2026. Most Americans are thus set to lose an hour of sleep when they "spring forward" this weekend. For almost 20 years, the yearly ritual of moving clocks an hour ahead has taken place on the second Sunday of March.

Daylight saving time 2026: When does it start and end? Which states don't change clocks? (Daylight saving time)

When does daylight saving time start for March 2026?

Daylight saving time starts on Sunday, March 8, at 2 am local time this year. Since 2007, the start date has been on the second Sunday of March, according to the U.S. Naval Observatory, the official source of time for the Defense Department.

Most of the United States will lose an hour Sunday from the changing of the clocks, as at 2 am the time jumps to 3 am. We "spring forward" ahead of the real beginning of spring, which comes with the vernal equinox on March 20.

When does daylight saving time end for 2026?

Most Americans are set to "fall back" to standard time at 2 am local time on the first Sunday of November. This year, it is on November 1. The country will be nearly six weeks into fall by that time, after the autumnal equinox on September 22.

According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Daylight saving time will be in effect for 238 days.

Which US states don't change clocks?

The U.S. Department of Transportation noted that as of July 25, 2022, only Hawaii and parts of Arizona do not participate in daylight saving time. The lone exception in Arizona is the Navajo Nation.

Meanwhile, the territories of American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands also do not participate.

The website noted that states may exempt themselves from observing daylight saving time by state law in accordance with the Uniform Time Act, as amended.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sumanti Sen
Sumanti Sen covers everything that’s happening in the US, from politics to entertainment, but her expertise lies in covering crime news. She has comprehensively chronicled the Idaho student murders, the Laken Riley and Iryna Zarutska cases, and the killing of Charlie Kirk, among other incidents. Over the years, she has interviewed several victims/families of victims of crimes seeking justice. She digs up stories that might otherwise remain unheard, and does her bit to ensure that victims and survivors’ voices are heard. Sumanti’s many years of experience also include interviews with Hamas attack survivors and mental health experts, among others. Her coverage of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and interviews with survivors of the tragedy, coupled with her other works including the Titan submersible coverage, earned her the Digi Journo of the Quarter award during her first year at Hindustan Times. Sumanti actively tracks missing person cases in the United States, and peruses Reddit and other social media platforms to bring to light cases that frequently elude public attention. She has extensively covered the disappearances of Nancy Guthrie, Thomas Medlin, Beau Mann, and Sudiksha Konanki, among others. When not at work, you will either find her with her novels, or with her beloved rescue pooches.Read More

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