Daylight Saving Time 2024 Ends on November 3rd
Highlights
- Daylight Saving Time 2024 ends on Nov. 3 in the US.
- Turning clocks back an hour begins at 2 a.m. local time.
- Most states follow DST, except Hawaii and parts of Arizona.
- Adjust clocks on Saturday night to avoid confusion.
- Next daylight saving time starts on March 9, 2025, in the US.
In the US, Daylight Saving Time 2024 is coming to an end on Sunday, November 3rd, at 2 a.m. local time. This is when people across the country “fall back” by turning their clocks back an hour.
The extra hour of sleep can be a welcome bonus, but the change often brings disorientation for many. To stay on track, experts suggest changing your clocks on Saturday night before heading to bed.
Unlike the US, where clocks “fall back” this November, other countries are adjusting differently.
For instance, in the UK, daylight saving time ends on October 27th, while in Australia, where it’s now spring, clocks already moved forward on October 6th.
Standard Time and Daylight Saving Time
The concept of daylight saving in the US started back in 1918 and went through multiple changes before becoming consistent with the Uniform Time Act of 1966.
This act set up the practice of daylight saving time across different time zones. Today, most US states follow DST, but Hawaii and most of Arizona do not; they remain on standard time throughout the year.
While DST aims to create more usable daylight during warmer months, the changeover can disrupt sleep schedules and affect health.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine supports a permanent move to standard time, which they believe aligns better with our natural sleep patterns.
Preparing for the Transition Back to Standard Time
The return to standard time is seen as easier than the springtime change because it offers an extra hour of sleep. However, don’t be fooled.
Shifting your clock can still lead to disruptions in your schedule, especially if you have an established sleep routine. Building strong sleep habits throughout the year can make these transitions less challenging.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology reports that daylight saving time is in effect for 238 days each year — about 65% of the year.
This means that standard time only lasts for 127 days, even though the terminology makes it sound like the norm. It’s a bit confusing, but we’re sticking with it for now.
Will the US End Time Changes?
Despite widespread discussion, time changes remain a topic of national debate. In 2022, the US Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent, but it hasn’t yet become law.
Senator Marco Rubio called the twice-yearly clock changes “stupid” and continues to advocate for a permanent DST.
For now, it looks like we’ll continue dealing with the “spring forward” and “fall back” ritual.
Many Americans dislike losing an hour in the spring, and some argue that it doesn’t save energy as effectively as it was once thought to.
Mark Your Calendar for the Next DST Changes
If you’re already dreading the early evenings, keep in mind that daylight saving time will return in the US on March 9, 2025. The UK will bring it back on March 30, while Australia will turn its clocks forward on April 6.
