The United States will end daylight saving time in 2025 on November 2 at 2 a.m., when clocks will be set back one hour, returning to standard time. The change marks the end of an eight-month period of seasonal adjustments that began on March 9, following the Uniform Time Act of 1966. The practice, aimed at optimizing daylight use, faces intense debates, with 29 states proposing to eliminate biannual time changes. Bills like the Sunshine Protection Act, reintroduced in 2025, seek to make daylight saving time permanent.
The discussion involves arguments about health, economy, and safety. Studies indicate that time changes affect circadian rhythms, while advocates of standard time highlight benefits for children. A final decision depends on legislative progress in Congress.
Seasonal changes in the US
Daylight saving time, implemented for eight months, adjusts clocks to extend daylight in the late afternoon. The practice, started in 1918, was formalized to save energy during crises.
Currently, its relevance is questioned, with studies showing energy savings below 1%. Dissatisfaction with adjustments is reflected in legislative proposals across multiple states.
Ongoing legislative debate
The Sunshine Protection Act, passed by the Senate in 2022 but stalled in the House, was reintroduced in 2025. The bill aims to establish permanent daylight saving time, eliminating biannual changes.
In Pennsylvania, a 2023 resolution called for ending time changes but did not advance. Twenty-eight other states have proposed similar legislation, signaling growing opposition to the practice.
Impacts on routine and health
Time changes disrupt circadian rhythms, potentially causing fatigue and disorientation. The return to standard time in November ensures earlier sunrises, benefiting children’s safety.
Conversely, daylight saving time extends evening daylight, supporting outdoor activities. The fall transition, however, provides an extra hour of sleep, temporarily easing impacts.
Exceptions to the rule
Not all US states follow daylight saving time. Hawaii and parts of Arizona maintain standard time year-round, as do territories like Puerto Rico and Guam.
These exceptions stem from geographic factors, such as proximity to the equator, and cultural decisions prioritizing consistent local time.
Historical background
Daylight saving time in the US began during World War I to reduce energy consumption. Reintroduced during World War II and adjusted during the 1970s energy crisis, the system was maintained for economic reasons. Today, energy savings are minimal, and the practice faces growing criticism, with studies showing limited cost reductions and questionable societal benefits.
Next steps in Congress
The debate over ending time changes remains unresolved. The Sunshine Protection Act faces resistance in Congress, while states pursue local solutions to eliminate adjustments. Until a federal decision is reached, the schedule remains unchanged, with the next daylight saving time ending set for November 2, 2025. The winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, will occur on December 21, reinforcing the relevance of discussions on standard time.
