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

Why Americans Still Change Clocks for Daylight Saving Time

Across the United States, most residents adjust their clocks twice each year, maintaining a long-standing practice tied to daylight saving time. With winter approaching, Americans once again prepare to "fall back." On Sunday, November 2, clocks will shift back one hour at 2 a.m., reverting to 1 a.m.

This change affects nearly every state except Hawaii and Arizona. The ritual marks the end of extended daylight in the evening as the northern hemisphere moves through the darker months of the year.

Shorter Days and Earlier Sunsets

Since the Summer Solstice, daylight hours have been gradually decreasing. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, San Diego will experience sunset as early as 4:56 p.m. when the time change occurs.

For those who love soaking up the sun, sunrise on November 2 will be at approximately 6:07 a.m. The reduction in daylight continues until the Winter Solstice on December 21, the shortest day and longest night of the year, when the sun sets near 4:47 p.m.

Holiday Season and Diminishing Light

By Thanksgiving Day, November 27, the early sunset—around 4:43 p.m.—paired with festive meals may leave many feeling drowsy long before bedtime.

“This tradition is known as the time change in which we ‘fall back’ and generally set our clocks before bed on Saturday.”

As the daylight hours wane, many wonder when and if this biannual ritual will ever come to an end, particularly in states like California that have debated making daylight saving time permanent.

Author’s Summary

Americans will set clocks back one hour as daylight saving time ends, marking shorter days, earlier sunsets, and renewed debate over the usefulness of this tradition.

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

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