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When Does Daylight Saving Time Start in 2025?
Most Americans should consider going to bed early on Saturday, March 8, 2025, because Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins on Sunday, March 9, at 2 a.m. local time. At that moment, clocks will jump forward by one hour, meaning we lose an hour of sleep but gain an hour of daylight in the evening.
This shift will continue until Sunday, November 2, 2025, when standard time returns ahead of the holiday season.
What Is Daylight Saving Time?
Daylight Saving Time is a period between March and November when most Americans move their clocks forward by one hour to maximize daylight in the evening. The idea is to reduce energy consumption and allow for more daylight during active hours.
The concept of “springing forward” means losing an hour of sleep in March, but it extends daylight hours, leading to brighter evenings and, for many, a more enjoyable schedule.
Why Do We Observe Daylight Saving Time?
The primary reasons for Daylight Saving Time include:
- Energy Conservation: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) states that DST reduces the need for artificial lighting in the evening, leading to lower electricity use.
- Reduced Crime Rates: More daylight in the evening means fewer crimes, as studies suggest that criminals are less likely to act in well-lit conditions.
- Fewer Traffic Accidents: Longer daylight hours improve visibility on the roads, reducing accidents and fatalities.
When Does Daylight Saving Time End in 2025?
Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 2 a.m. local time. Clocks will “fall back” one hour, restoring the extra hour of sleep lost in March.
Which States Don’t Observe Daylight Saving Time?
While most U.S. states follow Daylight Saving Time, Hawaii and most of Arizona do not participate. The Navajo Nation in Arizona does observe DST, but the rest of the state opts out due to its hot climate, where an extra hour of daylight isn’t beneficial.
The History of Federal Time Changes
The Standard Time Act of 1918 was the first law that implemented Daylight Saving Time at the federal level in the U.S. The responsibility of overseeing time zones and DST later shifted to the Department of Transportation (DOT) in 1966. Since then, Congress has made several adjustments to the DST schedule, including extending the period in 2007.
Who Regulates Daylight Saving Time?
The U.S. Department of Transportation is in charge of enforcing and overseeing Daylight Saving Time and time zones nationwide. The agency supports DST due to its energy-saving benefits, crime reduction, and improved road safety.
Could Daylight Saving Time Become Permanent?
In recent years, there have been numerous debates and legislative efforts to end the biannual time changes. The Sunshine Protection Act, proposed multiple times in Congress, aims to make Daylight Saving Time permanent nationwide. However, these efforts have not yet been successful.
Former President Donald Trump has publicly supported the idea of eliminating DST, and some lawmakers continue to push for change. However, no official decision has been made, meaning the tradition of “springing forward” and “falling back” remains in place for now.
How to Prepare for Daylight Saving Time
Adjusting to the time change can be difficult, but here are some tips to help you transition smoothly:
- Go to Bed Earlier: Gradually adjust your bedtime by 15–30 minutes a few days before the change.
- Expose Yourself to Morning Light: Sunlight in the morning helps regulate your internal clock.
- Avoid Caffeine and Electronics Before Bed: Blue light from screens can disrupt sleep quality.
- Stick to a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Maintaining a routine helps your body adjust faster.
Conclusion
As Daylight Saving Time 2025 approaches, remember to set your clocks forward one hour on Sunday, March 9, at 2 a.m. local time. While losing an hour of sleep may be frustrating, the extra daylight in the evenings provides longer, brighter days. Whether the U.S. will move toward making DST permanent remains uncertain, but for now, the tradition continues.