LOS ANGELES, CA — November 1, 2026 — Daylight saving time officially ended early Sunday morning, November 1, 2026, as millions of Americans turned their clocks back one hour, marking the annual transition to standard time.
At 2:00 a.m. local daylight time, clocks moved backward to 1:00 a.m., giving many Americans an extra hour of sleep while bringing earlier sunsets and brighter mornings.
What Changed Today?
The end of daylight saving time means that sunrise and sunset will occur approximately one hour earlier according to the clock.
While many people welcome the extra hour of sleep, the adjustment also means that evenings will become noticeably darker.
In Los Angeles, sunset will now occur around 5:00 p.m., compared with approximately 6:00 p.m. before the time change.
Most smartphones, computers, and other internet-connected devices automatically adjust their clocks. However, traditional wall clocks, some vehicle clocks, kitchen appliances, and other manually operated devices may still require an adjustment.
Why Do We Change Our Clocks Twice a Year?
Daylight saving time was established to shift an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening during the warmer months.
In the United States, the current schedule generally begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.
Supporters of daylight saving time argue that longer daylight hours in the evening provide more opportunities for outdoor recreation, shopping, and other activities.
The twice-yearly clock change has remained a subject of debate among lawmakers, researchers, and the general public.
Not Every State Changes Its Clocks
Most of the United States observes daylight saving time, but there are exceptions.
Hawaii and most of Arizona remain on standard time throughout the year, meaning residents do not participate in the twice-yearly clock changes.
Several U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, also do not observe daylight saving time.
California voters approved Proposition 7 in 2018, allowing the state Legislature to consider changes to the state’s daylight saving time rules. However, the measure did not eliminate seasonal clock changes, and California continues to follow the federal schedule.
When Does Daylight Saving Time Begin Again?
Daylight saving time will return on Sunday, March 14, 2027, when clocks move forward one hour at 2:00 a.m. local standard time.
That transition will bring later sunsets and longer daylight hours in the evening as spring approaches.
Until then, residents across most of the country can expect earlier sunsets and shorter daylight periods as winter approaches.
A Reminder for Drivers and Commuters
The time change can also affect evening commutes, particularly for drivers traveling home after work.
With darkness arriving earlier, motorists should remain attentive to pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users during the late afternoon and early evening.
Drivers may also want to check their vehicle clocks to ensure the displayed time is accurate.
As November begins, today’s transition serves as a reminder that the winter season is approaching, bringing shorter days, cooler temperatures, and the annual adjustment to standard time.
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