When Does Daylight Saving Time End?

Nick Leason

-Nov 3, 2025

Wondering when to 'fall back'? Daylight Saving Time (DST) in the United States ends on the first Sunday of November, when clocks are moved back one hour. This means you gain an hour of sleep, but sunset also occurs earlier in the day. Knowing the exact date and time helps you prepare for the time change and adjust your schedule accordingly.

Key Takeaways

Daylight Saving Time ends on the first Sunday of November.
Clocks are moved back one hour at 2:00 AM local time.
You gain an extra hour of sleep when DST ends.
The specific date changes annually.
DST impacts daily routines and energy consumption.

Introduction

Daylight Saving Time (DST) is a practice observed in many countries, including the United States, where clocks are advanced during the spring and summer months and then set back in the fall. This adjustment aims to make better use of daylight, ostensibly conserving energy and aligning waking hours with daylight hours. The end of DST is a significant event, as it affects millions of people across the country and influences daily routines, travel plans, and even energy usage.

What & Why

Daylight Saving Time, or DST, is the practice of setting clocks forward one hour from standard time during the spring and summer months and then returning to standard time in the fall. The primary reason for DST is to make better use of daylight. By moving the clocks forward, there is more daylight in the evening hours, which some people find beneficial for recreational activities and reducing energy consumption.

The idea behind DST is rooted in the assumption that people are more active and spend less energy when daylight hours align with typical waking hours. Historically, the practice was promoted as a way to conserve energy during wartime, though the actual energy-saving benefits have been debated in recent years. Today, the economic impact of DST is another point of discussion. Retailers, for example, might see shifts in consumer behavior due to altered daylight patterns. — Federal Way, WA Zip Code: Find It & Local Info

Benefits:

Increased Daylight in Evenings: Provides more daylight during evening hours, which can be enjoyable for outdoor activities.
Potential Energy Savings: Historically intended to conserve energy, though the impact is now debated.
Retail and Recreation: May benefit retail and recreation industries by extending daylight hours during peak shopping and activity times.

Risks:

Health Impacts: Can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to health issues.
Disruption to Schedules: Requires adjustments to daily routines, work schedules, and travel plans.
Debate Over Effectiveness: The actual energy-saving benefits are not definitively proven.

How-To / Steps / Framework Application

Understanding the specifics of when DST ends can help you prepare. Here’s a simple guide:

Know the Date: DST ends on the first Sunday of November. The exact date changes each year.
Set Your Clocks Back: At 2:00 AM local time on that Sunday, turn your clocks back one hour (e.g., from 2:00 AM to 1:00 AM).
Adjust Devices: Many devices, such as smartphones, computers, and some digital clocks, automatically update the time. However, it's a good practice to double-check and manually adjust any clocks that don't update automatically.
Plan for the Change: Consider how the time change will affect your schedule. Adjust your bedtime a few days before to gradually prepare for the extra hour of sleep. Also, factor in changes to work schedules, appointments, and travel plans.
Be Aware of the Time Change When Traveling: Time zones are important. If you are traveling across time zones during the end of DST, be aware of the exact time change to avoid confusion.

Examples & Use Cases

Travel Planning: If you're traveling across time zones on the DST end date, remember to adjust your travel plans to avoid missing flights or appointments.
Work Schedules: Professionals and businesses should communicate the time change clearly to employees to prevent confusion about work hours.
Healthcare: Patients should double-check and adjust their medication schedules to avoid any errors during the time change.
Schools: Schools and educational institutions need to inform students and staff about any schedule changes related to DST.
Outdoor Activities: The shift in daylight hours is particularly relevant for those involved in outdoor activities like sports, gardening, and leisure, which may need to adjust their schedules.

Best Practices & Common Mistakes

Best Practices:

Prepare in Advance: Start preparing a few days before the time change. Adjust your sleep schedule gradually.
Check All Clocks: Make sure to check all clocks, including those in your car, on your appliances, and on the wall.
Communicate: If you're responsible for informing others (e.g., family, employees), send out reminders in advance.
Use Automated Updates: Enable automatic time updates on devices that support it.
Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with DST announcements and any potential changes to the policy in your area.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Forgetting to Change Clocks: The most common mistake is forgetting to adjust the time, especially on clocks that don't update automatically.
Underestimating the Impact: Failing to adjust schedules can lead to missed appointments and confusion.
Ignoring Health Impacts: Not getting enough sleep or experiencing disrupted sleep can affect health.
Not Considering Time Zones: Failing to account for time zone differences when traveling or communicating with people in different locations can cause problems.
Relying Solely on Automated Updates: Always double-check devices that update automatically to ensure the time has changed correctly.

FAQs

When does Daylight Saving Time end in the U.S.? Daylight Saving Time ends on the first Sunday of November.
What time do clocks change at the end of Daylight Saving Time? Clocks are turned back one hour at 2:00 AM local time on the designated Sunday.
Do all states in the U.S. observe Daylight Saving Time? No, Arizona (except for the Navajo Nation) and Hawaii do not observe Daylight Saving Time. — Ralphs Villa La Jolla: A Shopper's Guide
How can I prepare for the end of Daylight Saving Time? You can prepare by gradually adjusting your sleep schedule, checking and adjusting all clocks, and planning for potential schedule changes. — The Road TV Show: Everything You Need To Know
Why do we have Daylight Saving Time? The original intention of Daylight Saving Time was to conserve energy and make better use of daylight hours, though the effectiveness is still debated.
Will Daylight Saving Time ever be abolished? The debate about abolishing DST is ongoing, with several states having already passed legislation to eliminate it. Federal legislation is also being discussed, so the future of DST remains uncertain.

Conclusion with CTA

Knowing when Daylight Saving Time ends and preparing for the time change helps you stay on schedule, remain healthy, and minimize disruptions. Mark your calendar for the first Sunday of November, set your clocks back one hour, and enjoy the extra hour of sleep. Make sure to stay informed about any potential changes to DST in your area. For further information and updates on DST, visit the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Last updated: October 26, 2024, 10:00 UTC