Daylight saving time (DST) is set to end on November 2, 2025, at 2 a.m. local time. This change will reset clocks back one hour, effectively providing an extra hour of sleep for many. As the season shifts, signs like crisper temperatures and earlier sunsets serve as reminders of this transition.
Understanding Daylight Saving Time Changes
Historically, daylight saving time has been implemented to extend evening daylight during the warmer months. This practice typically begins on the second Sunday in March and concludes on the first Sunday in November, according to the Uniform Time Act of 1966. In 2025, for instance, DST will run from March 9 to November 2.
The Debate Surrounding Year-Round DST
The examination of whether to keep DST has been ongoing. Several states, including Pennsylvania, have introduced legislation aimed at making DST permanent, dubbed the Sunshine Protection Act. This act seeks to extend daylight saving time year-round, yet legislative progress has stalled multiple times since its Senate passage in 2022. In January 2025, attempts to reintroduce the act continued, but it has not gained traction.
- Current DST ends: November 2, 2025, at 2 a.m.
- Previous DST period: March 9 to November 2, 2025.
- Legislation push: Sunshine Protection Act, first passed in 2022.
States That Observe Daylight Saving Time
Daylight saving time is observed in most U.S. states, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. However, some areas, like Hawaii and parts of Arizona, do not participate. Furthermore, U.S. territories such as American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands also opt out of DST.
Impacts on Public Health and Safety
While the intention behind DST is to maximize daylight for evening activities, experts have raised concerns about its impacts on public health. Arguments for and against DST remain divided. Proponents highlight the benefits of extended evening light, while critics stress the risks associated with changing clocks, which can disrupt circadian rhythms and affect overall wellbeing.
Additional Facts
- Winter solstice 2025: December 21, with approximately 9 hours and 17 minutes of daylight.
- Clocks “fall back” one hour in autumn, providing extra sleep.
- In spring, clocks “spring forward,” resulting in one less hour of sleep.
As the transition to standard time approaches, the ongoing discussions about the effectiveness and necessity of daylight saving time are likely to continue. For now, prepare for November 2, 2025, and enjoy that extra hour as clocks revert to standard time.
