Across the country, Americans woke up to a subtle but familiar shift. At 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 2, clocks quietly rolled back one hour, marking the end of Daylight Saving Time for 2025. The change, often greeted with a mix of relief and grogginess, signals the start of shorter days, earlier sunsets and the slow descent into winter’s rhythm.

For many, the extra hour of sleep is a small consolation for the darker evenings that now arrive before dinner. Morning commuters may find a bit more light on their way to work, but by late afternoon, headlights flick on and porch lights glow earlier than the week before. The seasonal shift touches everything from school bus schedules to evening routines, nudging daily life into a new cadence.

The ritual of changing clocks has become second nature, even as debates continue over its relevance. Some states have pushed for permanent Daylight Saving Time, citing health concerns and economic benefits. Others argue for sticking with Standard Time year-round, preferring consistency over the biannual disruption. For now, the tradition holds.

In homes across the country, oven clocks, wall calendars and wristwatches were adjusted manually, while phones and smart devices made the switch automatically. The change may be small, but it’s a reminder of how time—both literal and seasonal—shapes the way we live.

As November unfolds, the early dusk brings with it a sense of quiet and reflection. The long stretch of winter lies ahead, and with it, holidays, snowstorms and the steady tick toward spring. Daylight Saving Time will return on Sunday, March 8, 2026. Until then, the country settles into the stillness of Standard Time.