Who Still Changes the Clock? U.S. States That Do and Don’t Follow Daylight Saving Time in 2025
🌅Daylight Saving Time 2025: Which States Do and Don’t Observe It
Each year, millions of Americans set their clocks forward in the spring and back in the fall to mark Daylight Saving Time (DST). While this time-shifting practice is common across most of the United States, not every state — or U.S. territory — takes part. Some regions have chosen to opt out entirely and stay on standard time year-round.
In this article, we’ll break down what Daylight Saving Time is, why it exists, and which U.S. states and territories do or don’t observe it in 2025.
What Is Daylight Saving Time?
Daylight Saving Time is the practice of moving the clock forward by one hour during the warmer months to extend daylight into the evening. It begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.
The main idea behind DST is to make better use of daylight and reduce the need for artificial lighting during the evening. It’s also believed to help boost productivity and encourage more outdoor activities.
However, not everyone agrees that the benefits outweigh the downsides — and that’s why some states have decided to skip the clock changes altogether.
Why Some States Don’t Observe DST
Certain areas in the United States have chosen to opt out of Daylight Saving Time for several reasons:
- 🌴 Consistent Daylight Hours:
States like Hawaii don’t see much variation in daylight throughout the year. So, changing the clocks offers little to no benefit. - ☀️ Hot Weather:
In states with consistently high temperatures — like Arizona — extending daylight into the evening only increases energy use for air conditioning. - 🕒 Simplicity:
Some regions prefer to avoid the confusion and disruption that comes with changing clocks twice a year. - ⚖️ Health and Safety Concerns:
Studies have shown that adjusting to new sleep schedules can affect mood, productivity, and even heart health.
States That Do Not Observe Daylight Saving Time
While most of the U.S. participates in DST, two states and several U.S. territories do not.
1. Arizona
Arizona opted out of Daylight Saving Time in 1968. The state stays on Mountain Standard Time (MST) year-round. However, the Navajo Nation, which spans parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, does observe DST to stay consistent with its territory across state lines.
2. Hawaii
Hawaii has never observed DST since the Uniform Time Act was passed in 1966. Because the islands experience minimal daylight variation throughout the year, there’s no practical reason to adjust the clocks.
U.S. Territories That Don’t Observe DST:
- American Samoa
- Guam
- Puerto Rico
- Northern Mariana Islands
- U.S. Virgin Islands
These territories remain on standard time all year long, just like Hawaii and most of Arizona.
States That Do Observe Daylight Saving Time
Every other U.S. state observes DST, including:
- California
- Texas
- New York
- Florida
- Illinois
- Washington
- Pennsylvania
- Ohio
- Michigan
- And 38 others
In these states, clocks “spring forward” one hour in March and “fall back” one hour in November in line with federal law.
When Does Daylight Saving Time Start and End in 2025?
For 2025, Daylight Saving Time will:
- Start: Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 2:00 AM (clocks move forward one hour)
- End: Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 2:00 AM (clocks move back one hour)
Will Daylight Saving Time Ever End?
There’s an ongoing debate in the U.S. about whether to keep Daylight Saving Time or make it permanent. The Sunshine Protection Act, introduced in Congress, proposes to eliminate the biannual clock changes and keep the country on permanent DST.
While several states have passed local laws to support this change, federal approval is still required before it can take effect nationwide.
Key Takeaways
- Most of the U.S. observes Daylight Saving Time, changing clocks twice a year.
- Arizona and Hawaii are the only two states that do not participate.
- Several U.S. territories — including Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands — also stay on standard time year-round.
- The debate over whether to end or make DST permanent continues across the country.
Conclusion
Daylight Saving Time remains a deeply rooted American tradition, but not everyone follows it. Whether you live in sunny Arizona or tropical Hawaii, or you’re traveling between time zones, knowing which states observe DST can save you from scheduling mix-ups and lost sleep.
As discussions continue in Congress and among states, the future of Daylight Saving Time in the U.S. may soon look very different.
