As the year winds down, it’s almost time to turn our clocks back for Daylight Savings 2024. This annual ritual is a topic of much discussion, especially as debates about making the time change permanent continue.
But for now, we’ll once again “fall back” an hour and enjoy the extra hour of sleep. Here’s everything you need to know about Daylight Savings 2024.
When Does Daylight Savings 2024 End?
The official end of Daylight Savings 2024 is set for Sunday, November 3 at 2 a.m.. This means that at this time, we’ll shift our clocks back one hour to 1 a.m., marking the transition back to standard time. This is great news for those who enjoy getting a little extra sleep, as the adjustment gives us an extra hour in bed that night.
Although the practice of shifting the clocks back in November may seem like a simple time change, it actually plays a role in our daily light exposure.
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From June 20 onward, the days have been getting progressively shorter, and with the switch back to standard time, the sunset will come earlier. For instance, in California, sunrise on November 2 will be at 7:29 a.m. and sunset at 5:53 p.m.. After the clocks change, on November 3, the sun will rise earlier, at 6:30 a.m., but set at 4:52 p.m.. This shift is key for those adjusting their daily routines.
A Brief History of Daylight Savings
Daylight Savings Time has a fascinating history that stretches back over a century. The concept was first proposed by William Willett in 1907, in a bid to make better use of daylight. However, the idea can be traced back even further, to none other than Benjamin Franklin, who famously suggested making better use of daylight while living in Paris in 1784. He even went as far as to propose a tax on Parisians who didn’t open their windows to let in the sunlight!
It wasn’t until 1966, though, that Daylight Savings became a formalized practice across the United States with the introduction of the Uniform Time Act. This law established a consistent time-change schedule, though states were given the option to opt-out. Over the years, the dates for observing Daylight Savings have changed, most recently with the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which extended the period from March to November.
Who Doesn’t Observe Daylight Savings?
While most of the U.S. follows Daylight Savings, not all states and territories participate. Hawaii and most of Arizona opt out, alongside U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The rest of Arizona, however, does follow Daylight Savings—specifically the Navajo Nation, which spans parts of Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. Their adherence to the practice reflects a commitment to daylight management in these regions.
On the international front, about 70 countries observe Daylight Savings Time. Most of North America, Europe, and parts of South America and New Zealand follow the practice. However, countries like China, Japan, and India do not participate.
Will Daylight Savings Ever Be Permanent?
The debate over whether or not to make Daylight Savings permanent has been going on for years. In March 2022, the Sunshine Protection Act passed through the U.S. Senate, proposing an end to the twice-yearly clock changes. If enacted, this would mean year-round daylight savings. Unfortunately, the bill has yet to be voted on by the House of Representatives, and it has not yet been signed into law.
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Many states, including California, have already passed legislation to make Daylight Savings Time permanent, pending federal approval. In total, 18 states have enacted similar laws. Despite these efforts, the federal government must still give the green light for any of these changes to take effect. The future of Daylight Savings 2024 may still involve clock changes, but with mounting public support for permanent adjustments, this could change in the years to come.
The end of Daylight Savings 2024 marks the beginning of darker evenings and earlier mornings. Whether you enjoy the extra hour of sleep or feel the inconvenience of shifting schedules, this time change remains a significant part of modern life in many parts of the world. Will 2024 be the last time we “fall back”? Only time will tell!
