Daylight Saving Time 2024: When Do We Fall Back?

The end of Daylight Saving Time (DST) in 2024 is approaching, which means it’s nearly time to set clocks back. In the United States and Canada, DST officially ends on Sunday, November 3, 2024. Clocks are set back one hour at 2:00 a.m., giving an extra hour of sleep and marking the start of shorter daylight hours in the evenings.

When Does DST Start and End?

Daylight Saving Time in the U.S. and Canada began this year on March 10. On November 3 at precisely 2:00 a.m., the time falls back to 1:00 a.m., signaling the transition back to Standard Time. This shift means earlier sunsets—by one hour—as well as earlier sunrises.

For example, in New York City, the sun will set at 4:49 p.m. on November 3, compared to 5:50 p.m. the day before. DST will resume in March 2025, on the second Sunday of the month.

Why Do We Change the Clocks?

The concept behind DST is to make better use of natural daylight, particularly during the summer months. By shifting the clocks forward in spring, more daylight is available in the evening, reducing the need for artificial lighting and, ideally, conserving energy. While often attributed to Ben Franklin, who once joked about saving lamp oil, the idea was proposed more formally in 1895 by New Zealand entomologist George Hudson. He wanted extra daylight hours for studying insects in the evening. Around the same time, British builder William Willett advocated for it to allow more time for leisure activities like golf.

A Brief History of DST

Daylight Saving Time in the U.S. has a complex history:

• 1918: The Standard Time Act established DST to support resource conservation during World War I, but it was repealed in 1919 due to unpopularity.
• World War II: DST returned as a federal policy, called “War Time.”
• 1966: The Uniform Time Act set standardized DST across the U.S., although local exceptions were allowed.
• 2007: The current schedule was set, with DST starting on the second Sunday in March and ending on the first Sunday in November.

Where DST Isn’t Observed

Not all areas observe DST. Hawaii and most of Arizona remain on Standard Time year-round. Additionally, U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands do not participate. In Canada, some parts of Saskatchewan and certain regions in British Columbia also skip DST and stay on Standard Time.

Will DST Ever Become Permanent?

The debate around DST has prompted legislative action in recent years. In 2022, the U.S. Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make DST permanent across the country. Supported by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, including Senator Marco Rubio, this act would eliminate the twice-yearly clock changes and keep daylight saving time year-round. However, the bill has yet to pass in the House, leaving the future of DST uncertain.

Many Canadians are also interested in making DST permanent, and certain provinces, like British Columbia, have expressed a willingness to adopt this if neighboring U.S. states also make the change. For now, DST remains a shared practice across the U.S. and Canada, with both nations adjusting their clocks twice a year