When Does the Time Change in Wisconsin?

2025 DST Schedule

🌸 Spring Forward

2025-03-09

2:00 AM → 3:00 AM

🍂 Fall Back

2025-11-02

2:00 AM → 1:00 AM

Spring Transition

Lose one hour of sleep but gain evening daylight

Summer Months

Enjoy extended daylight hours for outdoor activities

Fall Transition

Gain an extra hour of sleep as we return to standard time

Winter Months

Earlier sunrises help with morning routines

Agricultural Considerations

Farmers in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin

Recent studies on energy consumption during DST in Wisconsin 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.

Did You Know?

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.
Not all countries observe DST - only about 70 countries worldwide use it.