Daylight Saving Time Set to Begin March 9, 2025

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Americans will soon adjust their clocks as Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins on March 9, 2025. Clocks will move forward one hour at 2 a.m. local time, allowing for later sunsets and more evening daylight during the warmer months.

Introduced during World War I to conserve energy, DST has remained a contentious topic across the United States. While proponents argue it enhances outdoor activities and reduces reliance on artificial light, critics claim it disrupts sleep patterns and may lead to health problems.

President Donald Trump previously expressed his desire to eliminate DST. In December 2024, he stated on his social media platform, Truth Social, that it is ‘inconvenient and very costly to our Nation.’ His comments reignited discussions on the future of DST, but no significant legislative efforts have been made since.

Daylight Saving Time does not affect all states equally. Hawaii and most of Arizona, along with several U.S. territories, do not observe the practice. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, states may opt out of DST, but they cannot choose to be on a permanent schedule without federal approval.

The Uniform Time Act of 1966 standardized the start and end dates for DST across the nation; however, states can choose to exempt themselves. The start date, set for the second Sunday in March, has become a familiar reminder for many Americans, signaling the approach of spring.

Despite persistent calls for change, the implementation of permanent DST has stalled. In 2022, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved a bill to make DST permanent, but it was left unaddressed in the House of Representatives. The ongoing debate highlights a divided public; some appreciate the extra hour of daylight in the evenings, while others cite health concerns linked to the clock changes.

Supporters of DST argue it promotes benefits such as reduced electricity usage and increased evening retail activity. Conversely, critics point to data suggesting that the biannual clock adjustments may increase risks of heart attacks and strokes immediately following time changes. The debate continues as lawmakers seek a solution that accommodates the preferences of their constituents.

As the date approaches, residents are advised to prepare for the time change. On November 2, 2025, DST will end, at which point clocks will revert to standard time, marking the transition back to earlier sunsets.