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Live countdown to Daylight Saving (Spring Forward) 2026 on March 08, 2026. Displays days, hours, minutes, and seconds remaining. Fullscreen mode for TVs and projectors.
On March 8, 2026, clocks across most of the United States will spring forward one hour at 2:00 AM local time, marking the start of Daylight Saving Time. This annual shift moves an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening, giving Americans longer, brighter evenings through the spring and summer months.
The modern concept of Daylight Saving Time was first proposed by New Zealand entomologist George Hudson in 1895 and later championed by British builder William Willett. The United States adopted it nationally during World War I to conserve energy, and it has been observed in various forms ever since. The current schedule—beginning the second Sunday of March and ending the first Sunday of November—was established by the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
While proponents argue that DST reduces energy consumption and encourages outdoor activity, critics point to disrupted sleep patterns, increased traffic accidents in the days following the change, and minimal proven energy savings. Several states have passed legislation to make DST permanent, though federal approval is still required. Hawaii and most of Arizona already opt out of the time change entirely.
To minimize the impact on your body, sleep experts suggest shifting your bedtime 15 minutes earlier each night in the days leading up to the change. Exposing yourself to bright morning light on Sunday can also help reset your circadian rhythm more quickly.
Do all US states observe Daylight Saving Time? No. Hawaii and most of Arizona do not observe DST. US territories including Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the US Virgin Islands also remain on standard time year-round.
Will Daylight Saving Time ever become permanent? The US Senate unanimously passed the Sunshine Protection Act in 2022, but it stalled in the House. Several states have enacted their own permanent-DST bills contingent on federal authorization, so the issue remains an active topic of debate.
Does changing the clocks really save energy? Studies show mixed results. A 2008 Department of Energy report found a small reduction in electricity use, while a study in Indiana showed a slight increase in residential energy consumption after the state adopted DST.