Quick Answer: 2026 Time Change Dates
At 2:00 AM, clocks will spring forward to 3:00 AM
At 2:00 AM, clocks will fall back to 1:00 AM
Countdown to Next Time Change
Agricultural Considerations
Farmers in Maine have historically had mixed feelings about DST. While the original justification for DST included giving farmers more daylight hours, modern farming practices rely heavily on the sun's position rather than clock time. Dairy farmers particularly note that cows don't adjust their biological clocks, creating temporary disruptions in milking schedules.
Historical Context
- The Uniform Time Act of 1966 established the system of uniform Daylight Saving Time throughout the US.
- The energy savings from DST are debated, with modern studies showing minimal impact.
- Daylight Saving Time was first proposed by Benjamin Franklin in 1784 as a way to conserve candles.
Tips for Maine Residents
Consider the time change when scheduling meetings with people in other time zones.
Update your car clock, microwave, and other manual clocks that don't auto-update.
Take advantage of the 'extra' hour in fall to catch up on sleep or tackle a project.
Remember that not all countries change on the same date - check international meeting times carefully.
Why do we change clocks?
Daylight Saving Time was implemented to make better use of daylight during summer months, theoretically saving energy and providing more evening daylight for activities.
Do all states observe DST?
No, Hawaii and most of Arizona do not observe Daylight Saving Time. Some territories also opt out of the time change.
Is DST being eliminated?
While there have been various proposals to eliminate DST, as of 2026, most regions continue to observe the biannual time change.