The annual time shift is almost here! Daylight saving time (DST), the seasonal change that moves our clocks forward by one hour—and costs us some sleep—is fast approaching. In 2025, we will “spring forward” on Sunday, March 9, more than a week before the official start of spring on March 20.
At precisely 2 a.m., clocks will jump ahead to 3 a.m., instantly adjusting schedules and making sunsets later.
This biannual ritual impacts the daily lives of millions of Americans, affecting sleep patterns, work routines, and even energy consumption. Here’s everything you need to know about daylight saving time in 2025.
Understanding Daylight Saving Time
It’s Not Plural
A common misconception is calling it “daylight savings time.” The correct term is daylight saving time—singular, not plural.
When Does It Start and End?
Since 2007, daylight saving time has followed this schedule in the U.S.:
- Begins: Second Sunday in March
- Ends: First Sunday in November
This means in March, we “spring forward” and lose an hour of sleep, whereas in November, we “fall back” and gain an extra hour.
Was It Created for Farmers?
Contrary to popular belief, daylight saving time was not introduced to help farmers. The practice was first used in 1908 in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Germany later popularized it in 1916 during World War I to conserve coal.
In the U.S., daylight saving time became a national standard in 1966 when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Uniform Time Act. The idea was to reduce electricity use by extending daylight hours.
Who Observes Daylight Saving Time?
Which U.S. States Do Not Participate?
Currently, Hawaii and Arizona do not observe daylight saving time. Neither do U.S. territories including:
- Puerto Rico
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Guam
- American Samoa
- Northern Mariana Islands
Who Controls Daylight Saving Time?
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) oversees daylight saving time and time zones across the country. According to the DOT, time standardization is crucial for transportation, communication, and trade.
Is Daylight Saving Time Ending?
The Push to Make DST Permanent
In recent years, efforts to eliminate clock changes have gained momentum. The Sunshine Protection Act, which aimed to make daylight saving time permanent, passed in the U.S. Senate in 2022 but failed to clear the House of Representatives. A 2023 version of the bill also stalled in Congress.
As of 2022, at least 31 states have introduced legislation to keep daylight saving time year-round. 20 states have already passed resolutions or laws supporting the change—including Oklahoma, the most recent state to approve it in 2024. However, these changes require congressional approval before taking effect.
Daylight Saving Time Around the World
Daylight saving time is observed in over 70 countries, affecting more than one billion people annually. However, the start and end dates vary by region.
What You Should Do
- Reset Manual Clocks: Most smartphones and computers update automatically, but traditional clocks need to be changed manually.
- Check Smoke Alarm Batteries: Experts recommend using the time change as a reminder to replace smoke detector batteries.
Looking Ahead
Unless changes are made, daylight saving time will end again on Sunday, November 2, 2025, when we “fall back” and regain an extra hour of sleep. The cycle will then repeat on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
So, mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy longer daylight hours starting March 9, 2025!