When Does South Carolina 'Spring Forward' for Daylight Saving Time?

What residents need to know about the upcoming daylight saving time change in 2026.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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South Carolina, like the rest of the United States, will adjust clocks for daylight saving time in 2026. The change will take effect on Sunday, March 8, when clocks move forward from 2 a.m. to 3 a.m., marking the start of longer evening daylight hours. Daylight saving time will end on Sunday, November 1, when clocks are set back one hour. While some states have passed legislation to make daylight saving time permanent, South Carolina has not yet met the legal requirements to do so.

Why it matters

The biannual clock change remains a controversial practice, with some arguing it provides benefits like increased evening recreation and public safety, while others raise concerns about the impact on children and workers. The debate continues as lawmakers weigh the pros and cons of permanent daylight saving time.

The details

Federal law currently requires states to either observe daylight saving time or stay on standard time year-round. South Carolina has explored ending the biannual clock switch, but has not yet met the legal requirements to do so. Experts suggest adjusting your sleep schedule gradually in the days leading up to the change to minimize disruption.

  • Daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 8, 2026, when clocks move forward from 2 a.m. to 3 a.m.
  • Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, November 1, 2026, when clocks are set back one hour.

The players

Uniform Time Act of 1966

Federal law that currently requires states to either observe daylight saving time or stay on standard time year-round.

Sunshine Protection Act

A bill introduced in Congress in 2022 to make daylight saving time permanent, which stalled in the House and has not yet passed.

Tom Cotton

Arkansas Senator who highlighted the safety concerns of an experiment with permanent daylight saving time in 1974, when commuter trains were delayed and school children had to navigate their commutes in darkness.

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What’s next

The debate over permanent daylight saving time continues, as lawmakers weigh the benefits of more evening daylight against potential risks during the early morning hours.

The takeaway

While South Carolina has explored ending the biannual clock change, the state has not yet met the legal requirements to do so. The twice-yearly time shift remains a controversial practice, with proponents citing benefits like increased recreation and public safety, and opponents raising concerns about the impact on children and workers.