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

Why America Still Changes Its Clocks for Daylight Saving Time

Every year, most Americans, except those in Hawaii and Arizona, adjust their clocks twice to observe daylight saving time. This tradition involves setting clocks an hour back in the fall, commonly called "falling back," and is usually done before going to bed on a Saturday night.

The End of Daylight Saving Time in California

Daylight saving time is coming to an end as daylight hours shorten heading into the darkest months for the northern hemisphere. The shift occurs at 1 a.m. on Sunday, November 2, when clocks move back one hour.

Changing Daylight Hours

The amount of sunlight has been decreasing steadily since the Summer Solstice, the official start of summer. In early November, the sun sets in San Diego as early as 4:56 p.m., according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

If you enjoy sunlight, you should take advantage of the sunrises, which occur at 6:07 a.m. around this time of year.

Approaching the Shortest Day

The daylight hours will keep shrinking until the Winter Solstice on December 21, the shortest day and longest night of the year. On this day, the sun will set as early as 4:47 p.m., per NOAA.

"The early sunset of 4:43 p.m. and consuming large amounts of carbohydrates on Thanksgiving Day may lull you into a deep slumber."
Summary

The biannual clock change remains a widespread practice in America to align waking hours with daylight, despite the continuous shortening of day length during fall and winter months.

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

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