Daylight Saving Time: Why Do We Still Change the Clocks?

It's that time of year again! Time to fall back and get that extra hour of sleep we’ve been dreaming about. On Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 2 a.m., clocks in most U.S. states will rewind by one hour, giving us earlier sunrises and earlier sunsets—just in time to start our days in the dark again.

But have you ever wondered why we still mess with the clocks? Isn’t there something kinda quirky about adjusting our days twice a year? It turns out, this habit dates back to World War I when Germany first introduced the idea in 1915 to conserve coal by making better use of daylight hours. The U.S. followed suit a few years later in 1918 during both World Wars for energy savings, and ever since, it’s stuck—despite lots of opposition from, believe it or not, farmers! (Yup, they’re not fans of having to tend to livestock before sunrise)​.

The debate about daylight saving time (DST) keeps popping up in Congress. There’s even a movement to make it permanent. States like Hawaii and most of Arizona don’t even observe DST at all. They’re like, “No thanks, we’re good!” Still, for now, most of us will keep switching our clocks every March and November​.

What is daylight saving time?

Daylight saving time (DST) is a practice where clocks are set forward by one hour during the warmer months (spring and summer) to extend evening daylight, and then set back by one hour in the fall to return to standard time. The idea behind this practice is to make better use of daylight during the longer days of summer, thus conserving energy by reducing the need for artificial lighting in the evening​

DST was first widely adopted during World War I and World War II to conserve fuel, and it has since been used by many countries around the world. In the U.S., daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday in March, when we “spring forward,” and ends on the first Sunday in November, when we “fall back”​

When is daylight saving time ending this year, and when do our clocks 'fall back?'

Daylight saving time (DST) is ending this year on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 2 a.m. At that moment, clocks will “fall back” one hour, giving most people in the U.S. an extra hour of sleep and shifting daylight to earlier in the morning. This means earlier sunrises and earlier sunsets, with nightfall occurring before 7 p.m. in many areas​WTOLAlmanac.com.

While most states observe daylight saving time, states like Hawaii and most of Arizona do not participate, meaning they stay on standard time year-round.

Is daylight saving time ending?

Yes, daylight saving time (DST) is ending soon! In 2024, DST will officially end on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 2 a.m. At this time, clocks will "fall back" one hour, giving most people an extra hour of sleep. This also means that we will transition back to standard time, with earlier sunrises and earlier sunsets as we head into the colder months​.

While daylight saving time is observed by most U.S. states, states like Hawaii and most of Arizona do not participate and stay on standard time year-round.

Does every state observe daylight saving time?

No, not every state in the U.S. observes daylight saving time (DST). While most states follow the practice of changing clocks twice a year, Hawaii and most of Arizona do not. These states remain on standard time year-round.

• Hawaii opted out of daylight-saving time due to its proximity to the equator, where daylight hours don’t vary much throughout the year.
• Arizona also doesn't observe DST, except for the Navajo Nation, which does follow the practice. Arizona’s hot climate makes it impractical to extend daylight into the evening, as it would only lead to more energy consumption for air conditioning during the hottest part of the day.

What Happens When We Change?

Oh, besides getting a bonus hour of sleep in the fall? Here’s the scoop: you'll notice the sun rising earlier in the morning and setting around dinnertime. It also impacts our health—many people feel groggy for a few days as our bodies adjust. Plus, the time shift messes with schedules and productivity. So, if you're planning on making the most of that extra hour, you’re not alone.

When Do We Spring Forward Again?

Not to worry, this time change is temporary. Come March 2025, we’ll be “springing forward” an hour again, and DST will last all the way until November. It's a cycle we’ve come to accept—well, mostly​

For now, don’t forget to set your clocks back and enjoy that cozy fall feeling. Grab some coffee, light a candle, and enjoy the earlier sunset—it’s all part of the charm of DST.

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