As autumn deepens, residents of Michigan and other regions observing Daylight Saving Time (DST) will soon adjust their clocks to mark the end of the annual time shift. On Sunday, November 2, 2025, DST ends, bringing an extra hour of rest as clocks are set back by one hour, as per a report by Detroit Free Press.

Gaining an Hour This Fall

With the conclusion of daylight savings time, clocks across Michigan and other parts of the United States should be set back one hour at 2 a.m. on November 2. For households with manual clocks, it is recommended to adjust them before going to bed on Saturday night, November 1, as per a report by the Detroit Free Press.

The change means sunrise and sunset will occur an hour earlier, leading to progressively shorter daylight hours as the state moves toward winter. While many enjoy the extra hour of sleep, the earlier darkness signals the transition into the colder, darker months ahead.

Understanding Daylight Saving Time

According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), DST was designed to align daylight hours with human activity, allowing more daylight in the evening during warmer months and reducing energy consumption by limiting the need for artificial lighting.

During DST, clocks are moved forward by one hour in spring, and set back in fall. This biannual adjustment helps synchronize daily activities with daylight, optimizing energy use and encouraging outdoor activity during longer evenings.

Key Dates and Facts for DST

• End of DST 2025: November 2, 2025, at 2 a.m. local time.
  
• Start of DST 2026: March 8, 2026, at 2 a.m., when clocks will move forward one hour.
  
• Winter Solstice: December 21, 2025, at 8:03 a.m. EST marks the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Following this, daylight gradually increases until mid-June.
  

As Michigan residents adjust to the end of DST, shorter days will become noticeable. Sunrise will occur earlier in the morning, while evening darkness will arrive sooner. This shift signals the approach of winter and the need for adjustments in daily routines, particularly for outdoor activities and commuting schedules.

Why the Change Matters

The primary rationale for daylight savings time is energy conservation. By extending daylight into evening hours during spring and summer, households use less artificial light, reducing overall energy consumption. In fall, when daylight hours naturally shorten, returning to standard time ensures that mornings remain brighter, providing safer conditions for schoolchildren and early commuters.

Although some critics argue that the biannual clock changes disrupt sleep schedules and daily rhythms, supporters note that DST helps maintain alignment between societal activities and natural light, particularly for work, recreation, and transportation.

FAQs

Do we gain or lose an hour when DST ends?

When DST ends, clocks are set back one hour, giving an extra hour of sleep. Sunrise and sunset occur earlier in the day.

What is the correct term: Daylight Saving Time or Daylight Savings Time?

The correct term is Daylight Saving Time. Adding an “s” is a common misnomer.