Daylight saving time begins March 9, bringing longer evenings and one less hour of sleep

Clocks spring forward on March 9

At 2 a.m. local time on Sunday, March 9, 2025, clocks across most of the United States will jump forward by one hour as daylight saving time (DST) begins. The shift moves sunrise and sunset an hour later, providing longer daylight hours in the evening but one less hour of sleep for those affected. DST will remain in effect until Sunday, November 2, 2025, when clocks “fall back” to standard time.

The benefits and drawbacks of daylight saving time

Supporters of DST argue that the extra hour of daylight in the evening encourages outdoor activity, reduces energy consumption, and benefits businesses that thrive on later daylight hours. Retailers, restaurants, and the recreation industry often report increased consumer activity due to extended evening light.

However, critics point to negative health and safety effects associated with the abrupt time change. Research has linked the spring transition to an increase in heart attacks, strokes, and workplace accidents in the days following the shift. Additionally, drowsy driving incidents tend to rise, as many struggle to adjust to the lost hour of sleep.

Who doesn’t observe daylight saving time?

Not all U.S. states and territories observe daylight saving time. Hawaii and most of Arizona—excluding the Navajo Nation—remain on standard time year-round. Additionally, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands do not participate in DST, as their daylight hours remain relatively consistent throughout the year.

The push for permanent daylight saving time

The debate over daylight saving time has led to legislative efforts to make the change permanent. Several states have passed bills in favor of year-round DST, but federal law prevents states from making the switch without congressional approval. In 2022, the U.S. Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act, a bill aimed at making daylight saving time permanent, but it has since stalled in the House of Representatives.

Until any changes are enacted, Americans will continue to spring forward and fall back each year—adjusting their schedules to match the shifting daylight.