Daylight Saving Time in Virginia

2026 Time Change Schedule

Time Until Next Change

Economic Impact of DST in Virginia

The economic implications of Daylight Saving Time in Virginia 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 6%.

However, the transition periods create temporary disruptions. Studies estimate that the Monday following the spring time change results in approximately $524 million in lost productivity nationwide due to sleep deprivation and adjustment issues.

Health Considerations for Virginia Residents

Medical research has revealed important health impacts of time changes in Virginia. The spring forward transition is associated with a 7% increase in heart attacks during the first three days after the change. Car accidents also spike by approximately 8% on the Monday following the spring time change.

Technology and Time Changes in 2026

Modern devices handle DST transitions automatically, but some systems still require manual updates. In 2026, ensure your smart home devices, car navigation systems, and older electronics are properly configured. Many IoT devices now use internet time servers for automatic updates, reducing the burden on users in Virginia.

IT departments should be particularly vigilant about server time synchronization, especially for systems handling financial transactions or time-sensitive operations.

Agricultural Considerations

Farmers in Virginia 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.

Energy Consumption Patterns in Virginia

Recent studies on energy consumption during DST in Virginia show modest savings of approximately 1.2% 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

✓ Set your clocks before going to bed to avoid confusion in the morning.

✓ Update your car clock, microwave, and other manual clocks that don't auto-update.

✓ Use the extra evening daylight in summer for outdoor activities and vitamin D.

✓ Gradually adjust your sleep schedule a few days before the time change to minimize disruption.