Daylight Saving Time (DST) is the practice of setting the clock forward by one hour during the summer months in order to extend evening daylight. The idea is to make better use of natural daylight and reduce energy consumption.
RELATED: Why is the Keyboard in Qwerty?
The exact dates when DST begins and ends vary depending on the country or region. Some places do not observe DST at all.
Table of Contents
When is Daylight Savings?
In the United States, Daylight Saving Time typically begins on the second Sunday of March and ends on the first Sunday of November. During DST, the clock is set forward by one hour. So, for example, at 2:00 AM on the second Sunday of March, the time becomes 3:00 AM.
It’s worth noting that not all countries or regions observe DST. Some countries, like Hawaii and most of Arizona, do not observe DST at all. Other places like, India, China, and Russia have different dates. It’s best to check with your local authorities for the specific dates of DST in your area.
United States | European Union | ||||
Year | DST Begins at 2 a.m. | DST Ends at 2 a.m. | Summertime period begins at 1 a.m. UT | Summertime period ends at 1 a.m. UT | |
2019 | March 10 | November 3 | March 31 | October 27 | |
2020 | March 8 | November 1 | March 29 | October 25 | |
2021 | March 14 | November 7 | March 28 | October 31 | |
2022 | March 13 | November 6 | March 27 | October 30 | |
2023 | March 12 | November 5 | March 26 | October 29 | |
2024 | March 10 | November 3 | March 31 | October 27 | |
2025 | March 9 | November 2 | March 30 | October 26 | |
March 8 | November 1 | March 29 | October 25 | ||
Is it Daylight “Saving” or “Savings” Time?
The official term is Daylight Saving Time (DST), with “saving” as a verb. The idea behind the name is that moving the clock forward by one hour during the summer months saves daylight, as people can make better use of the natural daylight in the evening.
The name is a bit of a misnomer, as it doesn’t actually save daylight. It simply shifts the time at which daylight occurs.
It is not uncommon for people to refer to it as Daylight Savings Time, which may be a result of confusion with the concept of saving time or just a common mistake. But the correct term is Daylight Saving Time.
RELATED: Gasoline Hours at Costco: What time do they Open and Close
Why Did Daylight Saving Time Start?
Daylight Saving Time (DST) was first proposed by Benjamin Franklin in 1784 as a way to save candles, but it was not widely adopted until the 20th century. The main reason for starting DST is to make better use of daylight and conserve energy.
By moving the clock forward by one hour in the summer, people can take advantage of the longer daylight hours in the evening and reduce their use of artificial lighting.
Additionally, many businesses benefit from the extra hour of daylight in the evenings, as it allows them to stay open later and generate more revenue. Some states and countries have begun to question the need for DST and whether it is still necessary, but it is still widely used around the world today.
Idea of Daylight Saving Time
The idea behind Daylight Saving Time (DST) is to adjust the clock forward by one hour during the summer months to make better use of the daylight and conserve energy. This means that during the summer, the sun rises and sets one hour later than it would if the clock were not adjusted.
The extra hour of daylight in the evenings allows people to spend more time outside, engage in leisure activities, and save energy by not having to use artificial lighting as much. Businesses also benefit from the extra hour of daylight in the evenings, as it allows them to stay open later and generate more revenue.
The idea of DST was first proposed by Benjamin Franklin in 1784, but it was not widely adopted until the 20th century. Today, many states and countries still observe DST, although some have begun to question its effectiveness and necessity.