2026 Time Change Schedule
| Season | Date | Time | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 2026-03-08 | 2:00 AM | Clocks forward to 3:00 AM |
| Fall | 2026-11-01 | 2:00 AM | Clocks back to 1:00 AM |
Time Until Next Change
Economic Impact of DST in Colorado
The economic implications of Daylight Saving Time in Colorado are significant and multifaceted. Retail businesses often report increased sales during DST months due to extended evening daylight hours, which encourages shopping and dining out. The tourism and recreation industries particularly benefit, with golf courses, theme parks, and other outdoor venues seeing revenue increases of up to 4%.
However, the transition periods create temporary disruptions. Studies estimate that the Monday following the spring time change results in approximately $403 million in lost productivity nationwide due to sleep deprivation and adjustment issues.
Energy Consumption Patterns in Colorado
Recent studies on energy consumption during DST in Colorado show modest savings of approximately 0.5% in electricity usage. However, these savings are offset by increased gasoline consumption as people take advantage of extended daylight for travel and recreation. The net energy impact remains a subject of ongoing research and debate among policy makers.
Preparation Tips
✓ Take advantage of the 'extra' hour in fall to catch up on sleep or tackle a project.
✓ Gradually adjust your sleep schedule a few days before the time change to minimize disruption.
✓ Be extra cautious driving the Monday after the spring time change - accident rates increase.
✓ Use the phrase 'Spring forward, fall back' to remember which direction to change your clocks.