Why are we still changing our clocks for daylight saving time?

Why America Still Changes Its Clocks Twice a Year

In the Northern Hemisphere, as daylight hours shorten entering the darkest season of the year, daylight saving time (DST) comes to an end. Americans, except those in Hawaii and Arizona, will set their clocks back one hour on Sunday, November 2, moving time back to 1 a.m. in a tradition called "falling back."

Timing and Daylight Changes

Since the Summer Solstice marked the first official day of summer, daylight hours have steadily decreased. By November 2 in San Diego, the sun will set as early as 4:56 p.m., according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

If you enjoy sunlight, it's best to soak up the morning rays quickly as the sun rises later, around 6:07 a.m. On Thanksgiving Day, November 27, the sun sets even earlier at 4:43 p.m. The shortening daylight, combined with a big Thanksgiving meal, may encourage a deep rest.

The Approach of Winter Solstice

Daylight continues to decrease until it reaches its lowest point on December 21, the Winter Solstice, which is the shortest day and longest night of the year.

December 21 is "the shortest day and the longest night of the year." — NOAA

That day, the sun will set as early as 4:47 p.m., marking the start of gradually lengthening daylight hours after.

Summary

Daylight saving time endures as a biannual adjustment to make better use of natural light during the darker months, synchronized with the shifting daylight patterns through the seasons.

Author’s Summary

Daylight saving time remains because shifting clocks helps align waking hours with shrinking daylight, especially as the Northern Hemisphere approaches winter’s darkest days.

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NBC 7 San Diego NBC 7 San Diego — 2025-11-01

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