Daylight saving time 2027 begins on Sunday, March 14, and ends on Sunday, November 7. In the United States, clocks shift ahead one hour at 2:00 a.m. local time on the second Sunday of March and turn back one hour at 2:00 a.m. local time on the first Sunday of November. Mark these dates now. A missed alarm or a lost hour of sleep is easier to dodge when you see it coming.
The 2027 DST Dates for the United States
The 2027 dst dates follow a rule that has not budged in years: daylight saving time starts on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November. That gives you two dates to circle.
- Spring forward 2027: Sunday, March 14 at 2:00 a.m. local time. Clocks move ahead one hour.
- Fall back 2027: Sunday, November 7 at 2:00 a.m. local time. Clocks move back one hour.
These two days hold for the entire United States, no matter which time zone you live in. The change happens simultaneously across all states that observe daylight saving time, though the local clock time differs by time zone.
The Rule Behind the Clock Change
Since 2007, the start and end dates of daylight saving time in the US have followed a consistent pattern. The current rule was established by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which took effect in 2007. Clocks jump ahead on the second Sunday of March and fall back on the first Sunday of November.
Before 2007, the dates were different. In 2026 daylight saving time started on Sunday, March 8 and ended on Sunday, November 1. That earlier start and later end, compared with previous decades, was a change intended to stretch daylight later into the evening during the warmer months.
Why 2:00 a.m. Local Time?
The time of 2:00 a.m. local time was chosen because it is a quiet hour on the clock. Few trains or buses run, and most people are asleep. Changing at 2:00 a.m. minimizes disruption. When you push the clock forward, it jumps from 2:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m., losing one hour. When you set it back, the clock goes from 2:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., gaining one hour.
Which Places Do Not Observe Daylight Saving Time
Not every part of the United States changes its clocks. A few places stay on standard time year round.
- Hawaii. The state does not observe daylight saving time. Its clocks remain unchanged all year.
- Most of Arizona. The majority of Arizona, including Phoenix and Tucson, does not observe daylight saving time. The Navajo Nation, which extends into Arizona, does observe DST, so a small area within the state changes clocks.
Because these areas do not participate, travelers and businesses that operate across state lines need to track the time differences. When California shifts forward in March, Arizona stays on the same time as California for the rest of the year, except during the period when California is on DST and Arizona is not. That creates a one-hour gap.
What About U.S. Territories?
American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands also do not observe daylight saving time. They remain on standard time throughout the year.
How to Prepare for the Clock Change
Adjusting to the time change is easier with a little planning. Take these steps before the spring forward 2027 and fall back 2027 dates arrive.
- Set your clocks manually. Most digital devices update automatically, but analog clocks, microwaves, ovens, and car clocks need you. Change them before bed on Saturday night for the spring forward, or before bed on Saturday for the fall back.
- Adjust your sleep schedule gradually. In the days leading up to the spring forward, go to bed a few minutes earlier each night. For the fall back, go to bed a few minutes later to ease into the extra hour.
- Update your calendar. Mark the dst 2027 dates on your calendar so you remember the change. Printable Calendar offers free printable calendars that include US holidays and can help you keep track of these dates.
- Check smoke detector batteries. The clock change is a good reminder to replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
How the EU Compares
Outside the United States, other regions follow different schedules. In the European Union, clocks change on the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October. The EU shift forward occurs later than the US shift forward, and the EU shift back occurs earlier than the US shift back. For 2027, the EU clock change dates would be in late March and late October, but these are not the same as the US dates. If you travel between the US and Europe, you will encounter two time shifts during the overlapping weeks.
Common Questions About the 2027 Change
Here are answers to a few frequent concerns about the time change.
Will my phone update automatically?
Yes. Most smartphones, computers, and smart home devices connected to the internet update the time on their own. You do not need to manually change them. Check any device that does not sync with a network, such as a standalone alarm clock.
Do I need to change my work schedule?
If you work a job that requires punctuality, such as a shift worker, check with your employer about schedule changes. Many companies adjust start times to account for the lost or gained hour. Not all do.
What if I live in a state that wants to change the rule?
Several states have proposed legislation to make daylight saving time permanent or to opt out. As of 2027, no changes have taken effect that alter the federal rule for the entire country. The dates remain the second Sunday in March and the first Sunday in November.