Each spring and fall, most Americans adjust their clocks by one hour. But in Arizona, time stays the same. While the rest of the country “springs forward” or “falls back,” Arizonans continue with Mountain Standard Time year-round. Why?
The answer goes back to the state’s unique geography, weather, and values. Arizona officially opted out of daylight saving time (DST) in 1968 under a federal exemption. Unlike many other states, Arizona has long, hot summers. Adding an extra hour of sunlight in the evening only makes the heat last longer.
For most residents, especially in desert regions like Phoenix or Tucson, that extra daylight isn’t welcome. It means more hours of triple-digit temperatures and higher energy bills from running air conditioning. By skipping DST, Arizona mornings stay cooler longer, making outdoor work and errands more bearable.
There’s also a strong sense of independence here. Many Arizonans simply don’t like the idea of the government telling them to change their clocks twice a year. The decision reflects a broader preference for practicality over tradition.
What is Daylight Saving Time?
Daylight saving time is a system that shifts the clock forward by one hour during warmer months. It was designed to make better use of daylight and reduce energy use. The concept first appeared in the early 20th century and became more widespread during World War I and II. The idea was simple: more light in the evening means less electricity use.
In 1966, Congress passed the Uniform Time Act, standardizing DST across the country. But the law allowed states to opt out, as long as they stayed on standard time year-round. Arizona quickly took that opportunity.
DST typically begins in March and ends in November. Most states observe it, but the benefits have become more controversial in recent years. Some argue it disrupts sleep patterns and harms health. Others question whether it really saves energy in modern times, when people use electricity around the clock.
Hawaii, like Arizona, also stays on standard time. Because it’s closer to the equator, Hawaii sees little variation in daylight throughout the year. So DST doesn’t serve much purpose there either.
What Countries Have DST?
Daylight saving time isn’t just an American tradition. Many countries around the world observe it—though not all. In fact, fewer countries use DST today than in the past.
In Europe, nearly all countries observe DST, switching at the end of March and again in late October. The European Union has considered ending the practice, but no final decision has been made. Canada follows a similar schedule to the United States, though the province of Saskatchewan does not observe DST.
Mexico used to observe daylight saving time nationwide, but in 2022, the federal government ended DST for most of the country. Only regions near the U.S. border still follow it to stay aligned with American cities.
Most countries near the equator do not use DST. That’s because daylight hours don’t vary much throughout the year. Countries in Asia, Africa, and South America generally don’t participate. Notable exceptions include parts of Lebanon, Israel, Iran, and a few others.
Globally, the trend is moving away from DST. Critics point to health concerns, disrupted routines, and unclear energy savings. As of 2024, fewer than 70 countries still observe it.
Arizona remains one of the few places in America that skips the clock change. For most locals, that’s just fine. No need to reset the microwave or lose an hour of sleep. The sun rises and sets the same way every day—and in Arizona, that’s how people like it.
