Daylight saving time (DST) is back for 2025, and it’s time to adjust your clocks. As we prepare to “spring forward,” here’s a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know, from the exact time change to the history of this practice and its global reach.
When Does Daylight Saving Time 2025 Start?
In 2025, daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday, 9 March. At this moment, clocks will jump forward by one hour to 3 a.m., giving us more daylight in the evenings.
Key Points:
Time Change: 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. on 9 March 2025.
Impact: We lose one hour of sleep.
Device Updates: Digital clocks (e.g., phones, computers) update automatically. Manual clocks need resetting.
How Does the Time Change Affect Daily Life?
When we “spring forward,” the sun will set an hour later in the evening and rise an hour later in the morning. While longer evenings can be a perk, losing an hour of sleep may impact our routines.
Health Considerations
Medical research has shown that the transition to daylight saving time can lead to:
Increased risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Higher chances of traffic accidents.
Potential disruption to sleep patterns.
Source: American Heart Association, National Institutes of Health
When Will Daylight Saving Time End in 2025?
Daylight saving time will end on Sunday, 2 November 2025. On this day, clocks will “fall back” one hour, meaning the sun will set earlier in the evening and rise earlier in the morning.
Where Else in the World Does Daylight Saving Time Apply?
While the U.S. is well-known for its daylight saving practice, several other countries also observe it. According to the Pew Research Center:
Countries Observing DST:
Europe: United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Switzerland.
North America: Parts of Canada.
Oceania: Some regions in Australia.
Africa: Egypt is the only country that observes DST on the continent.
U.S. States and Territories That Do Not Observe DST
Not all U.S. states and territories participate in daylight saving time. Those that do not include:
States:
Hawaii
Most of Arizona
U.S. Territories:
American Samoa
Guam
Northern Mariana Islands
Puerto Rico
U.S. Virgin Islands
The History of Daylight Saving Time
The origins of daylight saving time are often attributed to several historical figures:
Benjamin Franklin (1784): Often credited due to his satirical essay suggesting early rising regulations. However, this is disputed by the Franklin Institute.
George Hudson (1895): A New Zealand entomologist who proposed a two-hour clock shift to allow more evening daylight for collecting insects.
William Willett (1907): A British builder who campaigned for moving clocks forward to enjoy more daylight and save energy.
When Did DST Become a Practice?
During World War I, Germany was the first country to adopt DST in 1916 to conserve fuel. Other European nations soon followed. The U.S. implemented DST in 1918, primarily to save energy.
In 2007, under President George W. Bush, the current schedule of DST starting on the second Sunday of March and ending on the first Sunday of November was established.
Conclusion: Preparing for Daylight Saving Time
As we approach daylight saving time 2025, make sure to set your manual clocks forward by an hour before going to bed on 8 March. Embrace the longer evenings, and remember to adjust your sleep schedule to avoid health impacts. Stay informed, stay prepared, and enjoy the brighter days ahead!