Daylight Saving Time 2025: What to Know About Springing Forward.
3 min read
MARCH 09,2025
Get ready to enjoy longer days and brighter evenings! Daylight saving time (DST) is here, bringing us one step closer to warmer weather and extended daylight hours. But before you set your clocks ahead, here’s everything you need to know about the time change, why we do it, and how it impacts our daily lives.
When Does Daylight Saving Time Start in 2025?
Daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 2 a.m. local time. At that moment, the clocks will jump ahead by one hour, meaning you’ll lose an hour of sleep but gain an hour of evening daylight.
The tradeoff? Brighter evenings perfect for outdoor activities, but a groggy Monday morning as your body adjusts.
How Long Does Daylight Saving Time Last?
DST will remain in effect until Sunday, November 2, 2025, when we “fall back” to standard time. That means you’ll enjoy longer daylight hours throughout the spring, summer, and early fall before shorter days return in winter.
Why Do We Change the Clocks?
The U.S. has been observing daylight saving time since 1918, when it was introduced as part of the Standard Time Act. The idea was to make better use of daylight hours, reducing the need for artificial lighting in the evening.
However, it wasn’t always popular. DST was repealed in 1919 and became a local decision. During World War II (1942-1945), it was reinstated nationwide to conserve energy. By 1966, the Uniform Time Act set standardized dates for DST, but states were given the option to opt out.
Since 2007, daylight saving time has started on the second Sunday in March and ended on the first Sunday in November.
Which States Do Not Observe Daylight Saving Time?
If you live in Hawaii or most of Arizona, you can ignore the time change. These states opted out of DST and stay on standard time year-round. Several U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, also skip the biannual clock changes.
Will Daylight Saving Time Become Permanent?
There’s been ongoing debate about eliminating clock changes altogether. The Sunshine Protection Act, passed by the U.S. Senate in 2022, proposed making daylight saving time permanent meaning no more springing forward or falling back.
However, the bill stalled in the House of Representatives, so for now, Americans will continue adjusting their clocks twice a year. Many states, including California, Florida, and Texas, have expressed interest in making DST permanent, but they need federal approval.
How Does Daylight Saving Time Affect Health and Safety?
The time change isn’t just about longer evenings—it also has real effects on health and safety. Research shows that DST can:
- Increase car accidents: Studies suggest a spike in crashes in the days after the springtime change due to sleep deprivation.
- Disrupt sleep patterns: Losing an hour of sleep can throw off your circadian rhythm, leading to fatigue and reduced concentration.
- Affect heart health: Some research links the time change to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
On the flip side, having more daylight in the evening may reduce crime rates and encourage outdoor activities, promoting a healthier lifestyle.
Does the Rest of the World Observe Daylight Saving Time?
The U.S. isn’t alone—many countries observe some form of daylight-saving time, though not necessarily on the same schedule. Europe, Canada, Australia, and parts of South America also change their clocks seasonally.
However, some nations, including China, India, and most of Africa, have opted out altogether, arguing that DST is unnecessary in regions closer to the equator where daylight hours remain fairly consistent year-round.
How to Adjust to the Time Change
If you struggle with the time shift, here are some tips to help you adapt:
- Go to bed 15-30 minutes earlier a few days before the change.
- Expose yourself to natural light in the morning to help reset your internal clock.
- Limit screen time before bed to improve sleep quality.
- Stay active and hydrated to reduce fatigue.
Final Thoughts
Love it or hate it, daylight saving time is here to stay—at least for now. Whether you embrace the longer daylight hours or dread the sleep disruption, knowing the facts can help you prepare.
So don’t forget—set your clocks forward one hour before bed on Saturday, March 8!
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