As autumn approaches, millions of Americans—including many in our Latino communities—will set their clocks back one hour. The 2026 daylight saving time ends on the first Sunday of November, which falls on November 1. At 2:00 a.m. local time, clocks will revert to 1:00 a.m., giving us an extra hour of sleep and earlier sunsets.
For bicultural families who keep in touch with relatives across México, Centroamérica, or the Caribbean, this shift can create scheduling puzzles. While most of the United States observes the change, several regions do not, and knowing the differences helps avoid missed calls or virtual gatherings.
Where clocks fall back—and where they stay put
The vast majority of the continental U.S. will participate in the fall back. However, two states and one territory keep their clocks steady:
- Hawaii: The Aloha State has not observed daylight saving time since 1967, citing its tropical location near the equator where daylight hours remain fairly consistent year-round.
- Arizona: Most of the Grand Canyon State stays on Mountain Standard Time permanently. The decision, made decades ago, was driven by the desire to reduce energy consumption during scorching summer months—an extra hour of evening sunlight would only increase air conditioning use.
- Navajo Nation: This sovereign nation, which spans parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, does observe daylight saving time, even within Arizona. That means travelers crossing the reservation may encounter a one-hour time difference.
For those living in border communities like El Paso or Nogales, the time change can affect cross-border commutes and family visits. It's worth double-checking schedules with relatives south of the border, as México abolished daylight saving time in 2022 for most of the country, though border cities near the U.S. still align with American time changes.
How to prepare for the time change
Most smartphones, computers, and smart home devices will update automatically. But analog clocks, car dashboards, and some older appliances require manual adjustment. The U.S. Department of Transportation, which oversees time zones, recommends checking all devices the night before to avoid morning confusion.
Transportation agencies also remind travelers that bus, train, and flight schedules will shift. If you're planning a trip around November 1—whether to visit family in Guadalajara or attend a festival in San Antonio—arrive early and confirm your departure times with the carrier.
For those who rely on public transit, local authorities will update terminal clocks and digital displays. Still, it's wise to verify your route, especially if you commute during early morning hours.
Why we change the clocks
Daylight saving time has a long history, dating back to World War I as a way to conserve fuel. The current U.S. schedule—spring forward in March, fall back in November—was standardized by the Uniform Time Act of 1966. Over the years, states have lobbied for changes, and some have proposed permanent daylight saving time, but no federal law has passed yet.
For our readers, the time change is also a reminder of the rhythms that connect us across borders. Whether you're in Los Angeles, Miami, or Bogotá, the shift in daylight affects our daily routines, from school pickups to evening walks in the neighborhood.
So mark your calendar for November 1, 2026. Set your clocks back before bed, and enjoy that extra hour of rest. And if you're planning a trip to the Southwest, remember the Arizona exception—it might just save you from showing up an hour early to a family dinner.
