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

Why America Still Changes Clocks for Daylight Saving Time

In the northern hemisphere, daylight hours decrease as we approach the darkest days of the year, signaling the end of daylight saving time. Americans, except those in Hawaii and Arizona, will set their clocks back by one hour on Sunday, November 2, at 1 a.m. This practice, known as "falling back," usually occurs before bedtime on Saturday.

The Timing of Sunset and Sunrise

Since the Summer Solstice, daylight has been reducing steadily. In San Diego, the sun will set as early as 4:56 p.m. on November 2, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). For those who enjoy sunlight, the sun rises at 6:07 a.m., offering a limited amount of daylight.

Daylight Changes Around Thanksgiving

On November 27, Thanksgiving Day, sunset will be even earlier at 4:43 p.m. Consuming large amounts of carbohydrates during the holiday may cause drowsiness, coinciding with the shortening daylight hours.

Approaching the Winter Solstice

Daylight continues to shrink until December 21, the Winter Solstice, when we experience the shortest day and the longest night of the year. On this day, the sun will set by 4:47 p.m., as reported by NOAA.

"Americans in every state except for Hawaii and Arizona will be moving their clocks an hour back on Sunday, Nov. 2, at 1 a.m. This tradition is known as the time change in which we 'fall back.'"
"The Winter Solstice, Dec. 21, is known as the shortest day and the longest night of the year."

Daylight saving time remains a tradition despite the gradual loss of daylight, with specific regional exceptions and notable shifts in sunset and sunrise times throughout the late fall and early winter.

Author's summary: The biannual clock change affects most Americans as daylight shrinks, marking seasonal shifts that culminate in the year's shortest day and longest night.

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

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