HomeNews
Daylight Saving Time Ends November 1, 2026: When to Set Clocks Back and What to Reset
Clocks fall back on Sunday, November 1, 2026. What updates automatically, what you need to change by hand and where DST isn't observed.
Photo by Katie Harp on Unsplash
Short answer: in most of the United States, Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 1, 2026. At 2:00 a.m. local time, clocks go back one hour to 1:00 a.m. You gain an hour of sleep.
What updates itself
Phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs and connected watches normally update automatically if "set time automatically" is on.
What you reset by hand
- Car clocks, ovens and microwaves
- Wall clocks and basic alarm clocks
- Programmable thermostats and timers (lights, sprinklers) if they don't update themselves
Where it doesn't apply
The U.S. Department of Transportation notes that Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and most of Arizona do not observe DST. It also says that states may exempt themselves by state law.
Quick tips
- Move your clocks back before bed on Saturday night.
- The extra hour is a good moment to check smoke detector batteries.
- Evenings get darker earlier; plan commutes and walks accordingly.
What time zone you are in matters
The change happens at 2:00 a.m. local time in each zone, so the zones do not change at the same moment: Eastern clocks go back first and Pacific clocks go back three hours later. Your device handles this on its own; it only matters if you schedule calls or travel that morning.
If you work nights or shifts
The night of October 31 to November 1 lasts 25 hours. How that extra hour is counted for pay or hours worked depends on your employer and your state, so ask HR or check your employment terms rather than assuming.
A short checklist
- Before bed Saturday, nothing to do if your phone sets time automatically.
- Sunday morning, reset the car clock, oven, microwave and wall clocks.
- Check programmable thermostats and timers.
- Use the extra hour to test smoke alarms.
Frequently asked questions
Is the rule permanent? We cannot say whether it will change in future years. For the current federal position, see the Department of Transportation page.
Why does the clock change at 2:00 a.m.? It is the standard convention for the change in the United States.
Next steps
Set the clocks you can't automate this weekend and mark your calendar: the Sunday date is November 1, 2026. If your home is in Spain, see the Spanish equivalent in our Spanish edition.
Keep reading
Winter also means higher heating costs:
