What If We Didn't 'Spring Forward' for Daylight Saving Time?

Exploring the impacts of permanent standard time in cities across the U.S.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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With daylight saving time just around the corner, this article examines what would happen if clocks didn't 'spring forward' and we instead observed permanent standard time year-round, like in Hawaii and most of Arizona. It looks at how sunrise and sunset times would change in major U.S. cities, the potential benefits of earlier mornings, and the history behind past efforts to adopt permanent daylight saving time.

Why it matters

The debate over daylight saving time has been ongoing, with some states and municipalities considering legislation to adopt permanent standard time or permanent daylight saving time. This story provides valuable context on how such a change would impact daily life, including sleep patterns, morning routines, and seasonal shifts in daylight hours.

The details

If the clocks didn't change in places like St. Louis, the earliest summer sunrise would be around 4:36 a.m. with the latest sunset around 7:30 p.m. - a significant shift from the current daylight saving time schedule. Experts say the extra morning daylight could benefit people's melatonin systems and allow for more productive morning hours, but the later sunsets may make it harder to fall asleep at night. The article also looks at how permanent standard time would affect winter daylight, with the latest sunrise potentially reaching 8:19 a.m. and the earliest sunset at 5:39 p.m.

  • Daylight saving time begins on March 8, 2026.
  • Daylight saving time ends on November 1, 2026.

The players

Hawaii

A U.S. state that does not observe daylight saving time and remains on permanent standard time.

Arizona

A U.S. state that, with the exception of the Navajo Nation, does not observe daylight saving time and remains on permanent standard time.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This story highlights the ongoing debate around daylight saving time and the potential impacts of adopting permanent standard time or permanent daylight saving time. It provides valuable insights into how such a change could affect daily life, from sleep patterns to morning routines, and the historical context behind past efforts to reform the current system.