Daylight Saving Time in the U.S. will be earlier than it has ever been this year

This time of year, American small talk tends to orbit two dependable topics: how freezing it is outside and how it’s somehow already dark before dinner. The good news is that one of those complaints is on a countdown.

Daylight Saving Time is arriving earlier than ever in 2026, giving us longer, lighter evenings sooner than we’re used to. Post-work walks won’t feel nocturnal, dinners won’t be eaten in total darkness and there’s the psychological boost of seeing the sun after 5 pm again. It’s not spring exactly, but it’s close enough to feel like hope.

In the U.S., Daylight Saving Time always begins on the second Sunday in March. In 2026, that date lands as early as it possibly can on the calendar. Here’s everything you need to know before your body clock gets mildly offended:

What date do the clocks go forward in 2026?

Clocks in most of the United States will spring forward on Sunday, March 8, 2026. That’s earlier than in any other year on record and earlier than in 2025, when the change happened on March 9.

What time do the clocks go forward?

At 2am local time, clocks will jump straight to 3am. You’ll lose an hour of sleep, but gain noticeably brighter evenings almost immediately.

Do I need to change the clocks myself?

Probably not. Phones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, smart TVs and most modern cars update automatically. Older clocks, kitchen appliances, microwaves and some car dashboards may still need a manual nudge.

Why is it happening so early this year?

Daylight Saving Time always starts on the second Sunday in March—and in 2026, March 1 falls on a Sunday. That calendar quirk pushes the switch as early as possible.

Who doesn’t observe Daylight Saving Time?

Not everyone joins in. Hawaii, most of Arizona and U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, Guam and the US Virgin Islands stay on standard time year-round. Everyone else does the biannual clock shuffle.

When does Daylight Saving Time end in 2026?

Mark your calendar: it will wrap up on Sunday, November 1, 2026, which is also the earliest possible end date. Until then, we’ll be living in extended-evening mode.

So yes, we’re losing an hour of sleep, but we’re getting months of longer evenings in return. Fair trade.