When Do Clocks Fall Back in 2025? Your Complete Guide to Daylight Saving Time
Updated October 15, 2025, by John Bryant, AMS-Certified Forensic Meteorologist
Daylight saving time ends on November 2, 2025. At 2:00 AM that Sunday morning, clocks across most of America will turn back one hour. This shift happens every year on the first Sunday in November.
Most people welcome the extra hour of sleep. But the change brings real consequences. Sunsets arrive nearly an hour earlier. Evening commutes happen in darkness. Accident rates temporarily spike. And for forensic meteorology cases, proper time-stamping becomes critical.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the 2025 time change—from exact timing across all U.S. time zones to safety tips and legal implications.
Exact Time Change Details for November 2, 2025
Here’s what happens when daylight saving time ends:
The Official Time: At 2:00 AM local time on Sunday, November 2, clocks automatically turn back to 1:00 AM. You experience the hour from 1:00 AM to 2:00 AM twice.
- Eastern Time Zone: Change occurs at 2:00 AM EST
- Central Time Zone: Change occurs at 2:00 AM CST
- Mountain Time Zone: Change occurs at 2:00 AM MST
- Pacific Time Zone: Change occurs at 2:00 AM PST
- Alaska Time Zone: Change occurs at 2:00 AM AKST
Most digital devices update automatically. Smartphones, computers, and smart home systems adjust without your input. But analog clocks, car dashboards, and microwave ovens need manual changes.
Which States Observe the Time Change?
Nearly every U.S. state follows daylight saving time. But two states buck the trend.
States That Do NOT Change Clocks
Hawaii stays on Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time year-round. The state’s tropical location near the equator means daylight hours remain relatively constant throughout the year.
Arizona (except the Navajo Nation) remains on Mountain Standard Time permanently. The state opted out in 1968 to avoid extra evening heat during the summer months.
U.S. Territories also skip the time change. Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands stay on standard time.
Every Other State Changes Clocks
All remaining 48 states observe daylight saving time. This includes:
- All East Coast states from Maine to Florida
- All Midwest states, including Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan
- All Southern states including Texas, Georgia, and Tennessee
- All Western states except Arizona (California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, etc.)
How Sunlight Changes After November 2
The time change creates dramatic shifts in when daylight occurs. Here’s what to expect across major U.S. cities:
Morning Light Returns Earlier
Sunrise shifts roughly one hour earlier. Kids waiting for school buses see more morning light. Morning commuters drive in daylight instead of darkness.
- New York City: Sunrise shifts from 7:28 AM to 6:28 AM
- Chicago: Sunrise moves from 7:24 AM to 6:24 AM
- Los Angeles: Sunrise changes from 7:15 AM to 6:15 AM
- Miami: Sunrise moves from 7:30 AM to 6:30 AM
Evening Darkness Arrives Much Earlier
Sunset times drop dramatically. What felt like mid-afternoon suddenly looks like evening.
- New York City: Sunset drops from 5:51 PM to 4:51 PM
- Chicago: Sunset falls from 5:42 PM to 4:42 PM
- Los Angeles: Sunset shifts from 5:59 PM to 4:59 PM
- Miami: Sunset changes from 6:38 PM to 5:38 PM
By late November, most of the United States sees sunset before 5:30 PM. Northern states like Minnesota and Maine see sunset as early as 4:30 PM.
Regional Variations Across America
The impact varies by latitude:
- Northern states (Maine, Minnesota, North Dakota) see the most dramatic changes—nearly 9 hours between longest and shortest days
- Southern states (Florida, Texas, Arizona) experience smaller shifts—closer to 10-11 hours of daylight in winter
- Alaska faces extreme variations—from 19 hours of summer daylight to barely 5.5 hours in December
Critical Safety Actions to Take This Weekend
The time change weekend is the perfect opportunity for essential safety checks. Emergency responders nationwide recommend using this reminder to update your home safety systems.
Change Smoke Detector and CO Alarm Batteries
Test every smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm in your home. Replace batteries even if they seem fine. Install new units if your current detectors are over 10 years old. This simple step prevents the majority of fire-related deaths.
Adjust Your Thermostat and HVAC System
Program your thermostat for the new schedule. Morning heating should start one hour later by clock time. Replace furnace filters before the heating season intensifies. Schedule HVAC maintenance if you haven’t done so this fall.
Update Outdoor Lighting Timers
Darkness arrives nearly an hour earlier, starting November 3. Adjust outdoor security lights, landscape lighting, and motion sensors. Consider adding more exterior lighting for walkways and driveways.
Forensic Weather Implications of Time Changes
As a forensic meteorologist who analyzes weather conditions for legal cases, I see how time changes affect accident investigations and insurance claims.
Accident Timing and Documentation
- Police reports must specify whether incidents occurred before or after the 2:00 AM time change
- Security camera footage timestamps need verification against actual solar time
- Witness accounts about “what time it was” require clarification of which time zone was meant
Visibility and Lighting Conditions
- Evening commute accidents spike in the week after time changes due to unexpected darkness
- Pedestrian visibility drops significantly—drivers aren’t accustomed to darkness at 5:30 PM
- Weather conditions like rain or fog become more dangerous when combined with early darkness
Weather Data Synchronization
- NOAA weather stations and ASOS systems always use UTC (Coordinated Universal Time)
- Converting UTC to local time requires knowing whether DST or standard time was in effect
- One hour of UTC-recorded weather data occurs twice on November 2—requiring careful analysis
The Health Impact of Falling Back
Sleep researchers have studied time changes for decades. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine advocates for permanent standard time based on these findings.
Short-Term Effects: Most people adjust within 3-5 days when gaining an hour. This is easier than the spring time change. But your circadian rhythm still experiences disruption.
Long-Term Concerns: The darker evening hours can trigger seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in susceptible individuals. Vitamin D levels may drop as people spend less time outdoors during daylight hours.
Increased Risks: Studies show temporary spikes in heart attacks, strokes, and workplace accidents during time changes. The spring transition (when we lose an hour) shows a 6% increase in fatal vehicle crashes during the following workweek. The fall transition has mixed effects—some research shows decreased motor vehicle crashes but increased pedestrian accidents due to darker evening commutes.
Will Daylight Saving Time Ever Become Permanent?
Congress has debated ending the twice-yearly time change for decades. The Sunshine Protection Act would make daylight saving time permanent year-round. But as of October 2025, the bill remains stalled.
States Ready for Change: Twenty states have passed laws or resolutions supporting permanent DST. These include Alabama, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. But federal law must change first. The Uniform Time Act prevents states from independently adopting permanent daylight saving time.
The Competing Proposal: Sleep scientists prefer permanent standard time instead. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine argues standard time better aligns with human circadian biology. Morning sunlight exposure helps regulate sleep-wake cycles.
What This Means for 2025: You will still change clocks twice in the coming year. Fall back on November 2, 2025. Spring forward again on March 8, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Time Change
When exactly do clocks fall back in 2025?
Clocks fall back one hour at 2:00 AM local time on Sunday, November 2, 2025. At that moment, clocks turn back to 1:00 AM. Most Americans change their clocks before going to bed on Saturday night, November 1.
Do I gain or lose sleep when clocks fall back?
You gain one hour of sleep in the fall. The night of November 1-2 is technically 25 hours long. If you normally sleep from 11 PM to 7 AM, you’ll get a full 9 hours of sleep that night instead of your usual 8 hours.
Why doesn’t Hawaii or Arizona observe daylight saving time?
Hawaii stays near the equator, where daylight hours remain consistent year-round. Arizona opted out due to extreme summer heat—an extra hour of evening daylight in July means air conditioners run longer. The Navajo Nation in Arizona does observe DST to match neighboring states.
How does the time change affect weather data for legal cases?
Weather stations record data in UTC (Coordinated Universal Time), which doesn’t observe daylight saving time. When analyzing weather conditions for accidents or insurance claims, forensic meteorologists must carefully convert UTC timestamps to the correct local time, accounting for whether DST or standard time was in effect.
What devices automatically update for the time change?
Smartphones, computers, tablets, smart watches, internet-connected devices, and most cable/satellite TV boxes update automatically. You must manually change analog clocks, car dashboards, microwave ovens, traditional alarm clocks, and thermostats without internet connectivity.
When do clocks spring forward again in 2026?
Daylight saving time returns on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 2:00 AM. Clocks will spring forward one hour to 3:00 AM. You’ll lose an hour of sleep that night as we return to longer evening daylight.
Historical Context: Why Do We Change Clocks?
Daylight saving time started as a World War I energy conservation measure. Germany implemented it first on April 30, 1916 at 11:00 PM (effectively becoming May 1, 1916 at midnight) to save coal for the war effort. The United States followed in 1918.
The Original Logic: By shifting clocks forward in summer, people would use less artificial lighting in the evening. Electric lights and heating represented major energy consumers in the early 20th century.
Modern Reality: Today’s energy research shows minimal savings from daylight saving time. Air conditioning in summer and heating in winter dwarf lighting costs. Modern LED bulbs use tiny amounts of electricity.
Why It Persists: Retail businesses and recreational industries prefer extended evening daylight. People shop more and participate in outdoor activities when daylight lasts longer. But these benefits must be weighed against health impacts and accident risks.
Expert Tips for Adjusting to Standard Time
Start Preparation Early: Begin shifting your sleep schedule by 15 minutes each night starting three days before November 2. This gradual adjustment prevents disruption to your circadian rhythm.
Maximize Morning Sunlight: Step outside for 15-30 minutes within an hour of waking up. Morning sun exposure helps reset your internal clock and improves mood during darker months.
Drive Extra Carefully: Be hyper-alert during evening commutes in the first week after the time change. Pedestrians, cyclists, and animals on roads are harder to see in unexpected darkness. Slow down and use high beams when appropriate.
Adjust Exercise Timing: If you run or walk outdoors after work, you’ll need to adjust your routine. Consider moving exercise to morning hours or investing in reflective gear and lights for evening activities.
Weather Data Resources
- National Weather Service: weather.gov for local forecasts and sunrise/sunset times
- NOAA Time Zone Information: noaa.gov for official U.S. time standards
- Time and Date: timeanddate.com for detailed sunrise/sunset tables by city
The Bottom Line on November 2, 2025
Set your clocks back one hour before bed on Saturday, November 1. Most devices update automatically, but check analog clocks and older technology.
Use this weekend to replace smoke detector batteries and update your home safety systems. The time change serves as a useful reminder for critical maintenance tasks.
Be extra cautious during evening drives in the first week after the change. Your eyes and brain need time to adjust to darkness arriving nearly an hour earlier.
For forensic weather analysis and legal cases involving time-sensitive weather conditions, proper documentation becomes critical around time changes. Always verify whether UTC, standard time, or daylight saving time applies to your case data.
The next time change occurs on March 8, 2026, when clocks spring forward. Until Congress acts on permanent time legislation, Americans will continue changing clocks twice yearly.
Need Expert Weather Analysis for Your Case?
Accurate time-stamped weather data is critical for legal cases. Contact me for forensic meteorology analysis.
Forensic Meteorology Resources
Weather Data & Research:
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- National Weather Service
- National Centers for Environmental Information
Professional Organizations:
John Bryant is an AMS-certified forensic meteorologist providing expert witness testimony and weather analysis for legal cases nationwide. This article is informational only and does not constitute legal advice.