Daylight Saving Time 2025: Check Date, Time & Schedule

The United States observes Daylight Saving Time (DST) annually, adjusting clocks forward in spring and backward in fall to maximize daylight usage. In 2025, DST starts on March 9 and ends on November 2. While most states follow DST, Arizona and Hawaii opt out. The practice aids energy conservation and economic benefits.

Mar 10, 2025, 01:51 EDT
Daylight Saving Time 2025: Check Date, Time & Schedule
Daylight Saving Time 2025: Check Date, Time & Schedule

The United States observes Daylight Saving Time (DST) annually, adjusting clocks forward in Spring and backward in fall to maximize daylight usage. In most regions of the United States, Daylight Saving Time starts on the second Sunday of March and ends on the first Sunday of November. This Year in 2025 Daylight Saving Time (DST) starts on Sunday, March 9, 2025, and ends on Sunday, November 2, 2025. It is a practice where clocks are adjusted forward by one hour during the warmer months to extend evening daylight.

Key Highlights

  • Country: United States of America (USA)
  • Capital: Washington, D.C.
  • Time Zones (Mainland): 6
  • Total Time Zones (Including Territories): 12
  • Dial Code: +1

What is Daylight Saving Time?

Daylight Saving Time (DST) is an annual practice where clocks are adjusted forward in spring and set back in fall to make better use of natural daylight during longer summer days. The concept was first introduced at the federal level in 1918 during World War I to reduce fuel consumption by maximizing daylight hours. It later became standardized across the U.S. with the Uniform Time Act of 1966, setting the DST period from late April to late October. In 2007, the schedule was modified to its current form, beginning on the second Sunday of March and ending on the first Sunday of November. While most U.S. states follow DST, Arizona, and Hawaii have opted out and remain on standard time year-round.

Daylight Saving Time Schedule for 2025

When DST Begins (Spring Forward)?

  • Date: Sunday, March 9, 2025
  • Time: 2:00 AM local standard time → 3:00 AM local daylight time
  • Effect: Clocks move forward by 1 hour, resulting in later sunsets and longer evening daylight.
  • Common Names: Spring Forward, Summer Time, Daylight Savings Time

When DST Ends (Fall Back)?

  • Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025
  • Time: 2:00 AM local daylight time → 1:00 AM local standard time
  • Effect: Clocks move back by 1 hour, resulting in earlier sunsets and longer morning daylight.
  • Common Names: Fall Back, Winter Time

Which States Observe DST?

Most states in the U.S. observe Daylight Saving Time. However, there are exceptions where certain states or regions do not follow DST.

States and Federal Districts Observing DST (March 9 - Nov 2, 2025)

State

State

State

Alabama

Kentucky

Ohio

Alaska

Louisiana

Oklahoma

Arizona (Northeast)

Maine

Oregon

Arkansas

Maryland

Pennsylvania

California

Massachusetts

Rhode Island

Colorado

Michigan

South Carolina

Connecticut

Minnesota

South Dakota

Delaware

Mississippi

Tennessee

District of Columbia

Missouri

Texas

Florida

Montana

Utah

Georgia

Nebraska

Vermont

Idaho

Nevada

Virginia

Illinois

New Hampshire

Washington

Indiana

New Jersey

West Virginia

Iowa

New Mexico

Wisconsin

Kansas

New York

Wyoming

States Not Observing DST

  • Arizona (except for some regions in the northeast)
  • Hawaii

Daylight Saving Time in U.S. Territories

Most US territories do not observe DST.

Dependency

Status

DST Observance

American Samoa

Unincorporated territory

No DST

Guam

Unincorporated organized territory

No DST

Northern Mariana Islands

Unincorporated organized territory

No DST

Puerto Rico

Unincorporated organized territory

No DST

U.S. Minor Outlying Islands

Territory

No DST

U.S. Virgin Islands

Unincorporated organized territory

No DST

History and Regulation of DST in the USA

Origins and Adoption

  • 1918: The U.S. introduced DST during World War I to conserve energy but repealed it in 1919.
  • 1942–1945: DST was reintroduced during World War II and remained in effect year-round.
  • 1966: The Uniform Time Act established a standardized DST schedule across the country.

Current DST Schedule

Introduced under the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Implemented in 2007. Regulatory Authority: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) oversees DST implementation, while states and territories have the right to opt-out.

Historical Changes

Year

Change in DST Policy

1945-1966

No uniform DST rules, confusing.

1966

Uniform Time Act standardized DST start and end dates.

1974-1975

Extended DST during the oil embargo to save energy.

1976

The energy crisis ended, and DST was revised again.

1987-2006

DST lasted about 7 months each year.

2007-Present

A new schedule was introduced under the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

Why DST Exists?

For Energy Conservation which reduces electricity usage by extending daylight hours. For Economic Benefits also as it Increases retail and business activities in the evenings and for Safety, which reduces traffic accidents due to more daylight in the evening.

Confusion & Controversies Surrounding DST

  • Before 1966: Different states had varied DST rules, causing nationwide confusion.
  • Energy Savings Debate: Studies show mixed results on energy conservation benefits.
  • Health Impacts: Some research suggests DST can disrupt sleep cycles and increase health risks.
  • Economic & Productivity Factors: Industries such as retail and outdoor recreation benefit from DST, while others like agriculture find it disruptive.

Conclusion

Daylight Saving Time remains a significant part of the U.S. timekeeping system. While most states observe DST, some states and territories have opted out. The history of DST in the U.S. reflects its evolving role in energy conservation, economic benefits, and public safety. However, debates continue over whether DST should be permanently adopted or abolished in the future.

Prabhat Mishra
Prabhat Mishra

Content Writer

    Prabhat Mishra is an accomplished content creator with over 2 years of expertise in education, national and international news, and current affairs. A B.Tech graduate with extensive UPSC preparation, he has qualified for the UPPCS 2022 Mains and Bihar 68th Mains, showcasing his deep understanding of competitive exams.

    He has contributed to top platforms like Mentorship IndiaIAS BABA, and IAS SARTHI, delivering engaging articles on trending topics and global affairs. As a content writer for Jagranjosh.com, Prabhat specializes in crafting high-quality, insightful content for the G.K. and Current Affairs section, driving engagement and providing value to a wide audience.

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