Last updated: March 2026.

When Does Daylight Saving Time Start and End?

Quick answer for 2026 and 2027 by region

Quick Answer: DST 2026

  • United States & Canada: Starts Sunday, March 8, 2026 — Ends Sunday, November 1, 2026
  • Europe (all EU): Starts Sunday, March 29, 2026 — Ends Sunday, October 25, 2026
  • United Kingdom: Starts Sunday, March 29, 2026 — Ends Sunday, October 25, 2026
  • Australia (SE states): Ends Sunday, April 5, 2026 — Resumes Sunday, October 4, 2026
  • New Zealand: Ends Sunday, April 5, 2026 — Resumes Sunday, September 27, 2026

For full details on each region, see the complete 2026 DST schedule.

When Does DST Start in the United States?

In the US, Daylight Saving Time starts on the second Sunday in March at 2:00 AM local time. Clocks move forward to 3:00 AM ("spring forward"). DST ends on the first Sunday in November at 2:00 AM, when clocks move back to 1:00 AM ("fall back").

In 2026, that means:

  • Start: Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 2:00 AM
  • End: Sunday, November 1, 2026 at 2:00 AM

This schedule applies to all US states except Hawaii and most of Arizona. US territories also do not observe DST.

When Does DST Start in Europe?

All EU member states switch to summer time on the last Sunday in March at 1:00 AM UTC. Clocks go back on the last Sunday in October at 1:00 AM UTC.

In 2026:

  • Start: Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 1:00 AM UTC
  • End: Sunday, October 25, 2026 at 1:00 AM UTC

The UK, Norway, and Switzerland follow the same dates. Iceland does not observe DST. See which European countries participate in the full country table.

The US–Europe DST Gap

The US and Europe don't switch on the same date. In 2026, the US moves to DST on March 8, while Europe waits until March 29. During those three weeks, time differences shift: the New York–London gap drops from 5 hours to 4. This matters for international business calls, flights, and meetings.

When Does DST Start in 2027?

  • United States & Canada: Starts Sunday, March 14, 2027 — Ends Sunday, November 7, 2027
  • Europe (all EU): Starts Sunday, March 28, 2027 — Ends Sunday, October 31, 2027
  • United Kingdom: Starts Sunday, March 28, 2027 — Ends Sunday, October 31, 2027

See the full 2027 DST schedule for Australia, New Zealand, and all other regions.

Places That Don't Change Clocks

Not every place observes DST. If you're in Arizona, Hawaii, Saskatchewan, or Queensland/NT/WA, your clocks don't change. The DST exceptions page lists every major opt-out.

How DST Works

Daylight Saving Time advances clocks by one hour from standard time, shifting daylight from morning to evening. About 70 of the world's 248 countries and territories observe it. The practice dates back to 1916 in Germany and remains debated today on grounds of health, energy, and convenience.

DST 2026 Schedule Full dates for every major region DST 2027 Schedule Next year's clock change dates DST by Country 248-country table of observance What Is DST? How DST works and who uses it DST Exceptions Arizona, Hawaii, and other opt-outs DST vs. Standard Time The permanent time debate Pros & Cons of DST Health, energy, and economic effects FAQ Common DST questions answered

Data sources: official government publications and worldwideclock.com.