6 things to know about Daylight saving time 2026 in the US, Canada and Europe

Daylight saving time began across most of the United States and Canada on Sunday, March 8, 2026, when clocks moved forward by one hour at 2 a.m. local time. The shift marks the start of longer evening daylight during the warmer months. However, not all regions follow the change, and the practice continues to spark debate over its benefits and drawbacks.

More than 70 countries use daylight saving time. The system was introduced to make better use of evening daylight and reduce energy consumption. Supporters say it allows longer daylight hours for work, business and recreation.

In 2026, the time change took place at 2 a.m. local time on March 8. At that moment, clocks moved forward to 3 a.m., meaning people lost one hour of sleep. Daylight saving time will continue until November 1, 2026, when clocks will move back by one hour at 2 a.m., returning to standard time.

While most Canadian provinces and territories follow daylight saving time, some areas do not. Parts of British Columbia, Nunavut, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan remain outside the system. British Columbia recently announced plans to move to permanent daylight saving time in the future.

Daylight saving time in the United Kingdom and most European countries will begin later this month. In 2026, clocks will move forward on Sunday, March 29. The change takes place at 01:00 UTC, when clocks shift ahead by one hour.

Most parts of the United States and Canada observe daylight saving time. However, Hawaii and most of Arizona do not follow the change. The Navajo Nation in northeastern Arizona is an exception and does observe daylight saving time.

Daylight saving time begins shortly before the official start of spring. Meteorological spring runs from March 1 to May 31, a system used by forecasters for seasonal tracking. Astronomical spring in 2026 begins with the vernal equinox on March 20 and ends with the summer solstice on June 21.