Every spring, millions of people lose an hour of sleep for a reason that has nothing to do with late nights or early alarms. The clocks simply move forward. Daylight saving time returns this weekend across much of North America, bringing the familiar seasonal shift. Many people barely notice it because their phones and computers adjust automatically. Others still remember to change wall clocks, ovens, and car dashboards before going to bed. The idea behind daylight saving time is fairly simple. It shifts an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening during warmer months. Supporters say it gives people longer evenings to enjoy outdoor activities. Critics argue the system disrupts sleep and may not save much energy at all.
Daylight saving time: When clocks move forward in March 2026
According to Forbes, in 2026, daylight saving time begins at 2 am local time on Sunday, March 8, across most of the United States and Canada. At that moment, clocks move forward by exactly one hour. This means that when the clock reaches 1:59 am, the next minute becomes 3:00 am. The hour between those times simply disappears. Many people wake up on Sunday morning, realising they have effectively lost an hour overnight.Most digital devices update automatically because they are connected to time servers. Still, plenty of people notice the change when they see an incorrect time on their kitchen appliances or the clock inside their car. Daylight saving time remains in effect for several months. In 2026, it continues until Sunday, November 1. On that day, clocks will move back one hour at 2 am, returning to standard time and giving people an extra hour of sleep.
Daylight saving time: The places that do not follow daylight saving time rules
Although daylight saving time covers a large part of North America, some places do not observe it. Hawaii does not change its clocks at all. Most of Arizona also avoids the time shift.There is one interesting exception within Arizona. The Navajo Nation, which stretches across parts of the state, reportedly follows daylight saving time. This means clocks change there while the surrounding areas remain on standard time. Canada mostly follows the same schedule as the United States. Yet a few regions choose not to participate. Certain communities in British Columbia, Nunavut, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan remain on standard time throughout the year.There has also been discussion in some provinces about ending the twice-yearly clock change entirely. British Columbia has considered switching permanently to daylight saving time, though such a move would likely depend on coordination with neighbouring regions.
Daylight saving time begins later in the UK and most of Europe
Across the Atlantic, the schedule is slightly different. The United Kingdom and most European countries begin daylight saving time later in the month. In 2026, the clocks will move forward on Sunday, March 29. The adjustment occurs at 01:00 Coordinated Universal Time. For many European countries, this effectively means the clocks jump forward by one hour during the early morning.In the United Kingdom, the shift marks the start of British Summer Time. The country temporarily moves away from Greenwich Mean Time and adopts the summer schedule until autumn. The clocks will return to standard time on October 25, 2026.Most European countries follow the same pattern, though a few do not take part in the system at all. Iceland, Belarus and Russia reportedly keep the same time throughout the year.
Why daylight saving time still exists
Daylight Saving Time was first implemented as a way to make better use of natural daylight during the longer days of spring and summer. By moving our clocks forward, we make evenings lighter and mornings slightly darker.One of the main reasons for implementing this system was that more evening daylight would promote more social activities. Businesses, like restaurants, parks, and sports clubs, can benefit from this. Another reason was that we could save energy. By having more daylight after work, we could reduce artificial lighting. However, recent research has shown that we are not saving as much as we thought. Our modern use of electricity includes many devices that we didn’t even know of back then.Despite these concerns, however, more than 70 countries are said to use this system.