Daylight Saving Time (DST) in 2026 begins on Sunday, March 8 at 2:00 a.m. local time in most parts of the United States and Canada. At that moment, clocks move forward one hour, changing from 2:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m..
This annual adjustment is often called “spring forward,” meaning people lose one hour of sleep but gain longer daylight in the evening.
The daylight saving period will continue for about eight months and will end on November 1, 2026, when clocks move back one hour to standard time.
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Why Daylight Saving Time Exists
Daylight Saving Time was originally introduced during World War I as a way to conserve energy and make better use of natural daylight.
Today, the main purpose is to provide more daylight in the evening, encouraging outdoor activities and potentially reducing energy use. However, many experts debate whether the benefits still exist in modern times.
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Places That Do Not Change Their Clocks
Not all regions observe daylight saving time. In the United States, Hawaii and most of Arizona do not change their clocks. Several U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, also remain on standard time year-round.
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Health and Economic Concerns
Experts say the one-hour time shift can temporarily disrupt sleep patterns and the body’s internal clock. Studies have linked the change to short-term increases in heart attacks, strokes, and accidents immediately after the switch.
Some research also estimates that the transition could cost the U.S. economy hundreds of millions of dollars due to lost productivity and health impacts.
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Automatic vs Manual Clock Changes
Most modern devices such as smartphones, computers, and smartwatches automatically update the time. However, people still need to manually adjust wall clocks, ovens, and car clocks.
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