When does daylight saving time end? Your 2026 Q&A
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From when to set your clocks back to tips for adjusting to the time change, we have everything you need to know.

Caitlin Kaiser
ByCaitlin Kaiser•
2 days agoUpdated: October 28, 2026, 6:17 am EDTPublished: October 26, 2026, 5:44 am EDT
A woman reaches for an alarm clock next to her bed.

A woman reaches for an alarm clock next to her bed.

(Elisa Schu/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Q: Do we gain or lose an hour in the fall?

A: During the fall, the clocks "fall" back, so we gain an extra hour.

Q: When does daylight saving time end?

A: In 2026, daylight saving time ends on Sunday, Nov. 1.

Q: When do we turn the clocks back?

A: Clocks turn back at 2 a.m. local time on Nov. 1, sending your clock back to 1 a.m. But since most people will be sound asleep at that time, you might want to consider setting your clocks back before you head to bed on Halloween.

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Q: What states don't observe daylight saving time?

A: There are only two states that don't observe daylight saving time:

  • Arizona, with the exception of the Navajo nation: So, as the rest of the country moves back to standard time, Arizona becomes aligned with the Mountain time zone again rather than the Pacific time zone. The decision to not participate in daylight saving time was because this shift causes a later sunset during the hottest months of the year, making energy bills to soar.
  • Hawaii: This is a result of its close proximity to the equator. Because it gets plentiful sunshine throughout the year, the government officials felt it was unnecessary to disrupt the state's schedules.

Below we've included a map of all the states and their respective time zones in relation to each other during standard time:

The time zones during standard time.

(Madie Homan)

Q: Does my cellphone change time automatically?

A: Yes, as long as you make sure your time and date settings on your cell phone are set to automatically update, then your phone will change during the fallback.

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Q: Where do I need to manually change times?

A: Here are a few places you may need to manually change:

  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Standalone alarm clocks
  • Wall clocks
  • Wrist watches
  • Thermostats
  • Sprinkler systems
  • Pet feeders
  • Security systems

Q: What time will the sun set after the time change?

A: Here is a countrywide map of sunset times on Nov. 1:

Sunset times on Nov. 1.

Q: Health effects from daylight saving time ending

A: Even though we are technically "gaining" an hour of sleep when the clocks fall back, it still messes with your circadian rhythm. Many people find themselves going to bed at the usual time, but waking up earlier — causing them to lose sleep. This can contribute to a rise in motor vehicle accidents, heart attacks, strokes and mood disorders shortly after the time change.

Q: Tips to adjust to standard time

A: It can take awhile for your body adjust to the time change. Here are some tips:

  • Slowly move your bedtime and wake-up time later by 15 to 20 minutes leading up to the fallback.
  • Change clocks before you head to bed on Saturday and get up at your normal time on Sunday.
  • Head outdoors in the early evening. The light exposure later in the day will help delay the body's internal clock.
  • Limit caffeine and alcohol to prevent any sleep disruptions.
  • If you are waking up earlier than you want to, avoid screen time until your desired wake-up time.

Q: How to help dogs adjust to the fallback

A: Don't forget about your furry friends — they will feel the effects of the time change too. Here are some easy tips and tricks:

  • Adjust feeding times later by 15 to 20 minutes each day leading up to the fallback.
  • Keep the order of their routine the same even after the clocks change.
  • Order reflective collars, leashes or LED lights, so you can continue your walks even in the darker evenings.
A man is seen walking with his dog on a frosty ground.

A man is seen walking with his dog on a frosty ground.

(Dinendra Haria/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Q: Is the time change going away in the future?

A: It's not yet determined if the time change will go away. The Sunshine Protection Act, which would mean staying in daylight saving time year-round, has passed the House of Representatives and has moved to the Senate where it awaits a vote.

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