As the crisp air of autumn settles in, Washingtonians are preparing for the inevitable shift that comes with the end of Daylight Saving Time (DST). On November 3rd, we’ll turn our clocks back, welcoming shorter days and longer nights. While many enjoy the extra hour of sleep, the early sunsets can feel like an abrupt shift, marking the beginning of the dark winter season. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming time change, how it impacts daily life, and the ongoing debate about ending Daylight Saving Time for good.
When Does Daylight Saving Time End?
This year, Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 3rd, at 2:00 a.m. At this time, clocks will "fall back" one hour, shifting from Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) to Pacific Standard Time (PST). This change grants everyone an extra hour of sleep, but it also means earlier sunsets and darker evenings as we inch closer to winter.
How Early Will It Get Dark in Washington?
As autumn continues, the days are already getting shorter, but the clock change will speed up the transition to early darkness. Before the clocks roll back, the sun sets around 7:00 p.m. in most of western Washington. However, after the time change, expect sunsets around 4:45 p.m. in the Seattle area and 4:35 p.m. in the Tri-Cities. This trend will continue until the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, in late December, when the days will be at their darkest.
For many, the abrupt transition from warm, sunlit evenings to early, cold nights can feel challenging. The sudden loss of daylight affects routines, moods, and productivity. But with the right mindset and preparation, you can navigate this seasonal change with ease.
How to Prepare for the Time Change
Take Advantage of Natural Light: As the days shorten, make the most of the sunlight during the early morning and mid-afternoon. Open blinds and curtains to let in as much light as possible, and take outdoor walks to help your body adjust.
Adjust Your Sleep Routine: The end of DST can disrupt sleep patterns. To make the transition smoother, gradually shift your bedtime earlier in the days leading up to the time change. Try to keep a consistent sleep schedule afterward to avoid feeling groggy or fatigued.
Embrace the Cozy Evenings: While shorter days can feel dreary, they also present the perfect opportunity to embrace cozy indoor activities. Whether it’s curling up with a book, enjoying a warm drink, or spending time with loved ones, make the most of the early evenings.
Get Moving: The lack of daylight can impact energy levels and motivation. Combat the winter blues by staying active. Whether it’s an outdoor jog, a yoga session, or even a brisk walk, physical activity helps regulate your mood and keep your body energized.
The Push to End Daylight Saving Time
There has been growing momentum to eliminate the twice-a-year clock changes altogether. In 2019, Washington state passed a bill to make Daylight Saving Time permanent, meaning we’d no longer have to "fall back" in November or "spring forward" in March. However, despite widespread support, the change cannot take effect without federal approval.
In 2022, the U.S. Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which aimed to make DST permanent nationwide. However, the bill stalled in the House of Representatives and never came to a vote. Until Congress allows states to adopt permanent DST, Washington, like the rest of the country, will continue to switch between Daylight Saving and Standard Time.
Why Do We Still Change the Clocks?
Daylight Saving Time was initially implemented during World War I as a way to conserve energy by making better use of daylight. Over the years, its benefits have been debated, with many arguing that the energy savings are minimal and that the clock changes cause unnecessary disruption to people's schedules, health, and productivity.
Proponents of permanent DST argue that having more evening sunlight year-round would benefit public health, reduce energy consumption, and improve quality of life. Critics, however, express concern that darker winter mornings would be dangerous for children heading to school and could negatively impact productivity in the early hours.
For now, Washington remains part of the yearly clock change, but with growing public pressure, the future of Daylight Saving Time is still up for debate.
As we prepare for the end of Daylight Saving Time and the early sunsets that follow, it’s important to adjust our routines and make the most of the daylight we have. Whether you love or loathe the time change, it’s a part of life in Washington—for now. With ongoing efforts to end the clock changes, who knows? This could be one of the last times we "fall back."
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