As the days grow shorter and the evenings chill, many of us prepare for the annual ritual of setting our clocks back by one hour. The end of Daylight Saving Time (DST) in 2025 is just around the corner, bringing extra morning light but earlier sunsets. This article explains when the time change happens, why we observe it, which states participate, and the ongoing debate about whether we should keep switching our clocks at all.
Table of Contents
Understanding Daylight Saving Time: What It Is and Why We Do It
Daylight Saving Time is the practice of setting clocks forward by one hour in the spring and back again in the fall. The idea is to make better use of daylight during the longer days of summer by shifting an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening.
The Origins of Daylight Saving Time
The concept dates back over a century and was originally proposed to conserve energy and make better use of daylight. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the goal was to provide more daylight in the evenings during summer and more daylight in the mornings during winter.
How Long Does Daylight Saving Time Last?
In the United States, DST currently begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November. This means clocks “spring forward” in March and “fall back” in November.
When Is the End of Daylight Saving Time in 2025?
In 2025, the clocks will fall back one hour on Sunday, November 2, at 2 a.m., which will reset the time to 1 a.m. This transition marks the end of DST and a return to standard time.
What Happens When We Turn the Clocks Back?
When the clocks fall back in November, you gain an extra hour of sleep or leisure time that night. This means the mornings will be brighter, but darkness will fall earlier in the evening.
How Does This Compare to the Springtime Change?
In contrast, the spring “spring forward” shift means losing an hour of sleep as clocks move ahead by one hour, leading to later sunrises and sunsets.
The Shortest Day of 2025: Winter Solstice and Daylight Hours
The end of DST leads us into the darkest time of the year. The winter solstice will occur on Sunday, December 21, 2025, marking the shortest day of the year with approximately 9 hours and 17 minutes of daylight.
If you want to know the exact sunrise and sunset times in your area or check how many hours of daylight you’ll get, many local resources and weather websites offer customized daylight trackers.
Which States and Territories Observe Daylight Saving Time?
Most states in the U.S. still observe daylight saving time, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. However, there are notable exceptions.
States and Territories That Do Not Observe DST
- Hawaii and much of Arizona do not change their clocks.
- U.S. territories such as American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands also do not participate in DST.
The Ongoing Debate: Should Daylight Saving Time End Permanently?
The practice of changing clocks twice a year has its supporters and critics. While some appreciate the extra evening daylight in summer, others argue that the disruptions cause health issues and are an unnecessary inconvenience.
Political Moves and Public Opinion
In recent years, there have been efforts to make daylight saving time permanent, eliminating the twice-yearly clock changes.
- In April 2024, former President Donald Trump urged Congress to make DST permanent, highlighting the inconvenience and costs of changing clocks.
- However, earlier posts by Trump suggested support for making standard time permanent instead, reflecting the divided opinions on this issue.
The Sunshine Protection Act
The Sunshine Protection Act, which aims to establish year-round daylight saving time, passed the Senate in 2022 but stalled in the House. It was reintroduced in January 2025 but has yet to become law.
State-Level Actions
Several states, including Pennsylvania, have introduced legislation to end clock changes. While a 2023 bill to adopt permanent DST in Pennsylvania did not pass, a Senate resolution was adopted calling on Congress to reconsider the biannual clock shift. So far, 29 states have introduced similar legislation.
Understanding the Pros and Cons: DST vs. Standard Time
Benefits of Daylight Saving Time
- Later sunsets provide more daylight hours for evening activities.
- Potential economic benefits for retail and tourism sectors.
Benefits of Standard Time
- Earlier sunrises align better with natural circadian rhythms, potentially improving health and safety, especially for children commuting to school.
- Reduced risk of morning accidents due to better daylight.
Final Thoughts: Preparing for the Time Change in 2025
As November 2, 2025, approaches, it’s a good idea to prepare for the end of daylight saving time by adjusting your clocks and schedules accordingly. Whether the future holds permanent DST, permanent standard time, or continued clock changes remains uncertain, but for now, enjoy the extra hour of rest and the return of brighter mornings.