California residents will get an extra hour overnight when daylight saving time ends Sunday, Nov. 1, the day after Halloween.
At 2 a.m., clocks move back one hour to 1 a.m., returning California and most of the country to standard time. Phones and other internet-connected devices may display the new time automatically, but Californians should check clocks that require manual adjustment.
The annual change also means the sun will set earlier through the fall and winter. Although federal lawmakers have considered eliminating the twice-yearly ritual, no change has taken effect for 2026.
When does daylight saving time end in California?
Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1. At that moment, clocks move back one hour to 1 a.m. Nov. 1 is the earliest possible date on which the annual fall
time change can occur.
Since 2007, daylight saving time has started on the second Sunday in March and ended on the first Sunday in November. In 2026, it began March 8.
Does California observe daylight saving time?
Yes. California is not among the two states that decline to observe daylight saving time.
Hawaii and most of Arizona remain on standard time throughout the year. The Navajo Nation, which encompasses areas of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, does observe daylight saving time. Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands also remain on standard time year-round.
Is daylight saving time ending permanently?
Not yet.
The U.S. House approved legislation in July that would make daylight saving time permanent nationwide while allowing states to opt out. As of Oct. 22, the measure awaited action in the Senate, and no change had been enacted. That means California remains scheduled to turn its clocks back Nov. 1.
When does daylight saving time return?
Unless the law changes, daylight saving time is scheduled to return Sunday, March 14, 2027. Clocks will move forward one hour that morning.
This story was produced by Elizabeth Roberts, eroberts@usatodayco.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Does California still change its clocks? When daylight saving time ends in 2026
