World

Daylight saving time is almost over. Here's what to know.

Millions of Americans gain an hour of sleep this weekend when the time change commonly known as daylight savings ends for 2026, meaning clocks "fall back."

By CBS NewsยทOct 31, 2026

Daylight saving time is almost over. Here's what to know.
Two Takes
โ€ขโ€ข

Summary

On Sunday, November 1, 2026, the United States will officially end Daylight Saving Time, requiring citizens to manually adjust their clocks back one hour at 2:00 a.m. local time. This transition marks a return to Standard Time, a move that provides an additional hour of sleep for most residents but also results in earlier sunsets throughout the winter months.

The semiannual clock adjustment has been a fixture of American life for decades, governed by the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Despite its longevity, the practice faces mounting criticism from health organizations and legislators who argue that the shift causes unnecessary disruptions to biological rhythms and public safety, prompting ongoing debates about whether the country should move toward permanent time status.

While federal legislation to permanently adopt daylight saving time has been introduced in Congress multiple times, including the Sunshine Protection Act, the proposal has consistently stalled in the House. As the nation prepares to adjust, the conversation centers on the balance between energy efficiency, public health, and agricultural productivity.

Key Takeaways

  • Clocks officially fall back one hour on Sunday, November 1, 2026.
  • The practice of switching clocks remains a source of significant legislative debate.
  • Standard Time will remain in effect until spring 2027.