Daylight Savings 2026 is ending: When does the time change in 2026? Americans get an extra hour of sleep in November

An extra hour of sleep is coming for millions of Americans. Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026. Clocks will move backwards by one hour across most of the United States.

The change will bring brighter mornings. Evening darkness will arrive earlier. Many people will notice the difference before the workday ends. Here is the exact schedule for the time change 2026.

When does the time change in 2026?

Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. local time on Sunday, Nov. 1. Clocks will move back to 1 a.m. The hour between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. will occur twice. Americans can remember the direction through the phrase “fall back.”


Daylight saving began on March 8 in 2026. It officially ends on Nov. 1, according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Most smartphones will update on their own. Internet-connected computers usually make the switch automatically. Wall clocks may still need to be adjusted by hand.

When does the time change in every US state?

The November clock change does not apply everywhere. Hawaii does not observe daylight saving time. Most of Arizona also keeps the same time throughout the year. The Navajo Nation follows daylight saving even though it lies partly within Arizona.

Puerto Rico does not change its clocks. Guam and the US Virgin Islands also remain on standard time. The same rule applies in American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Federal law allows states to remain on standard time all year. States choosing daylight saving must follow the federally established dates.

Why does the United States change its clocks?

Daylight saving time shifts an hour of daylight from the morning into the evening during warmer months.

The practice does not increase the amount of sunlight in a day. Earth’s seasonal tilt determines daylight length. The clock change only alters how daylight fits into daily schedules.

Federal rules became more uniform under the Uniform Time Act of 1966. Current law places oversight of US time zones with the Department of Transportation.

Supporters value the later summer sunsets. Critics point to disrupted sleep and the inconvenience of changing clocks twice a year.

Will iPhones and Android phones change automatically?

Phones should update if automatic settings are enabled. iPhone users can open Settings and tap General. Select Date & Time.

Make sure Set Automatically is switched on. Android steps vary by manufacturer. Open Settings and search for Date and Time. Turn on automatic time and automatic time-zone detection.

Airplane mode can sometimes delay an update. A phone without a network connection may also show the wrong time temporarily.

Alarm times should remain correct after the switch. Anyone with an important Sunday appointment may still want to verify the settings before going to bed.

How can the time change affect sleep?

Gaining an hour sounds easier than losing one. The body clock may still need time to adjust.

Earlier darkness can affect evening energy and mood. Morning light can help the body settle into the new schedule.

Keeping a regular bedtime may reduce disruption. Spending time outdoors after waking can also support the adjustment. Large changes to weekend sleep habits may make Monday morning harder.

What happens if you work during the time change?

Overnight employees may work an extra hour when clocks fall back. A shift scheduled from 11 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. would usually include eight working hours after a 30-minute break. The November change could turn it into nine working hours.

The Fair Labor Standards Act requires covered employees to receive credit for every hour actually worked. The extra hour may also affect overtime if it pushes the weekly total beyond 40 hours. Employees should check their time records after the shift. Company agreements may provide additional benefits.

FAQs

When is daylight savings time ending in 2026?

Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, at 2 a.m. local time.

Do clocks go forward or back in November?

Clocks go back by one hour. At 2 a.m., the time returns to 1 a.m.