Texans will need to set their clocks forward one hour on March 8, 2026, as the state continues to observe daylight saving time. Following a harsh winter season and the threat of more bad weather, many residents are eager for the arrival of spring and the lighter evenings that daylight saving time brings.
Despite ongoing debates about the practicality of this time change, Texas and most of the United States will still participate in the biannual clock shifts. Efforts to eliminate daylight saving time have faced setbacks, ensuring that the traditional time change will proceed as scheduled this year.
Daylight saving time will commence at 2 a.m. on March 8, when clocks will jump ahead to 3 a.m. Many devices will adjust automatically, but non-smart devices—like microwaves and traditional clocks—will require manual adjustment. This shift not only impacts evening light but also marks the beginning of more daylight in the mornings as the year progresses.
The end of daylight saving time will occur on November 1, 2026, transitioning back to standard time—resulting in more morning sunlight but earlier sunsets. Typically, most Americans, aside from residents in Arizona, Hawaii, and a few other regions, look forward to gaining an extra hour of sleep when clocks revert in the fall.
The discussion surrounding daylight saving time continues amidst political currents. In 2022, the U.S. Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which aimed to make daylight saving time permanent; however, it failed to pass in the House of Representatives. Former President Donald Trump has expressed support for abolishing the time change in favor of year-round standard time. Opponents, including some lawmakers, caution that permanent daylight saving time might lead to darker winter mornings, which could negatively impact health and safety.
In Texas, discussions persist about the potential for the state to adopt permanent daylight saving time. The proposed “Texas Time” legislation, signed by Governor Greg Abbott, seeks to eliminate the biannual clock adjustment. However, this can only be enacted if federal law permits states to maintain daylight saving time year-round.
Historically, daylight saving time, devised during World War I to conserve energy, has seen its fair share of proponents and detractors. As Texans anticipate the transition into spring, the conversation around time change remains a reflection of the broader struggle to balance tradition with modern needs.
The first day of spring, marking the official astronomical transition, will be on March 20, 2026, further heralding the warmer weather and longer days. This spring, Texans can expect to enjoy about 14 hours of daylight by the summer solstice on June 21, while the winter solstice later in the year will bring the shortest day, with just over 10 hours of daylight. As the seasons shift, many look forward to the bright days that lie ahead.