Most of the United States will “spring forward” on Sunday, March 8, 2026, when clocks are moved ahead one hour at 2:00 a.m. Local time, shifting to 3:00 a.m. The annual change to daylight saving time impacts a vast majority of the country, though some exceptions exist.
The shift, intended to make better use of daylight during the warmer months, will affect most states within the Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific time zones, as well as Alaska. The practice of adjusting clocks twice a year has been in place for decades, though its benefits continue to be debated.
The return to standard time will occur on Sunday, November 1, 2026, when clocks will be turned back one hour, from 2:00 a.m. To 1:00 a.m. This “fall back” is designed to provide more daylight during the morning hours as winter approaches.
However, not all areas of the U.S. Observe daylight saving time. Hawaii and most of Arizona do not participate in the practice, maintaining standard time year-round. Certain U.S. Territories also operate under different rules, and residents should verify local regulations.
The change can disrupt sleep schedules and daily routines, prompting recommendations for preparation. Experts suggest adjusting sleep patterns in the days leading up to March 8th and confirming the accuracy of time settings on electronic devices. Travelers should also be mindful of potential disruptions to flight and event schedules due to the time change.
The practice of daylight saving time has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years, with some advocating for a permanent standard time to avoid the biannual disruptions. While legislative efforts to abolish the time changes have been considered at both the state and federal levels, no nationwide change has been implemented as of February 18, 2026.
