As the days grow shorter and cooler, it’s that time of year again — when we prepare to roll back our clocks by an hour. But behind this seasonal ritual lies a national debate: Should daylight saving time (DST) become permanent, or should we end it for good?
This article breaks down when daylight saving time ends in 2025, the history and controversy around changing the clocks, and what’s happening at both state and federal levels.
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When Does Daylight Saving Time End in 2025?
Mark your calendars: Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 2 a.m. At that moment, clocks “fall back” one hour to 1 a.m., giving most Americans an extra hour of sleep.
This transition marks the official switch from daylight saving time back to standard time, a shift that affects everything from your daily routine to sunrise and sunset times.
Why Do We Change the Clocks Twice a Year?
The practice of adjusting clocks dates back over a century and was originally designed to make better use of natural daylight.
According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the intent was to extend daylight into the evening during the warmer months and shift it back during the colder months to take advantage of early morning light.
However, many now question whether the benefits still apply in today’s society, especially given the disruptions to sleep, productivity, and health.
Do We Gain or Lose an Hour?
This is a common question every fall and spring. Here’s the simple answer:
- In the fall, when daylight saving time ends, we gain one hour. That means one extra hour of sleep, or for some, an extra hour of work or fun.
- In the spring, when daylight saving time begins again, we lose one hour, as clocks are moved forward.
The Growing Movement to End Clock Changes
A Nation Divided: Standard Time vs. Daylight Saving Time
While many agree that changing the clocks twice a year is outdated, there’s strong disagreement over what the permanent time should be:
- Permanent Daylight Saving Time would mean later sunrises and later sunsets, giving more daylight in the evening. This is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities after work.
- Permanent Standard Time would result in earlier sunrises and earlier sunsets, which some believe is better aligned with human biology and improves morning safety for children and commuters.
Groups like Save Standard Time argue that our internal circadian rhythms are more in sync with standard time, which could improve public health and sleep quality.
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What Has Congress Done About It?
The idea of ending biannual clock changes is not new. Here’s a timeline of recent actions:
- 2022: The U.S. Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent nationwide. However, the bill stalled in the House.
- January 2025: The Sunshine Protection Act was reintroduced, but it has not yet passed.
- March 2025: Pennsylvania passed a resolution urging Congress to end the practice of changing clocks, joining 28 other states that have proposed similar measures.
Where Does Donald Trump Stand?
Former President Donald Trump has made conflicting statements about the issue:
- In April 2025, he posted on Truth Social urging Congress to make daylight saving time permanent, calling clock changes a “costly inconvenience.”
- However, in December 2024, Trump said he would work to make standard time permanent.
- In March 2025, he called the issue “50/50,” acknowledging that the public is deeply divided.
What States Observe Daylight Saving Time?
The majority of U.S. states observe daylight saving time, including:
- Pennsylvania
- New Jersey
- Delaware
However, some do not participate:
- Hawaii and most of Arizona do not observe DST.
- U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands also opt out.
When Is the Shortest Day of the Year in 2025?
The Winter Solstice — the shortest day of the year — falls on Sunday, December 21, 2025. On this day, many locations in the continental U.S. will see just over 9 hours and 17 minutes of daylight.
If you’re curious about how many hours of sunlight your area will get, local sunrise and sunset times can easily be found through weather apps or online tools.
Will the U.S. Ever Stop Changing the Clocks?
That remains to be seen. While there’s strong public support on both sides of the debate, actual legislative change has been slow.
Until Congress makes a final decision, Americans should prepare to continue switching their clocks each spring and fall — at least for the foreseeable future.