- Accuweather released a map of new sunset times across the U.S. after Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 2.
- Most areas across the country can expect a roughly 5 p.m. sunset after Sunday, with a few outliers in the east and southern portions of the country.
Darkness is upon us—and no, I'm not just talking about Halloween time. Earlier sunsets and clock adjustments are on the horizon as Daylight Saving Time comes around once again on Sunday, November 2. With an hour back in our pockets, Accuweather put together a map of new sunset times across the United States to showcase when each major city will go dark, according to the time change. Here's everything we know about the new sunset times.
What is Daylight Saving Time?
Chances are, you're familiar with the concept of springing forward and falling back, otherwise known as Daylight Saving Time. Of our 50 U.S. states, 48 of them participate in this bi-annual time shift, with the exception of Arizona and Hawaii. The greater question is why?
Daylight Saving Time was first implemented during World War I as a wartime conservation effort. By "losing" an hour in the spring, soldiers would experience more daylight in the afternoons, meaning they would need to use less fuel for artificial lighting. This idea of greater afternoon sun stuck, providing everyday people with more daylight hours to work or engage in recreational activities before sunset.
However, this time jump ends in November when we have to fall back to reset the clock for next spring's jump. This means the boost in afternoon light is once again lost, with darkness looming earlier than usual.
Sunset Times After Daylight Saving Ends
The end of Daylight Saving Time will be felt across the country this weekend as we set our clocks back an hour on Sunday. Instead of a 6 p.m. sunset, darkness will now settle around 5 p.m., right as many workers begin their commute home. Here's a breakdown of when you can expect the sun to set in your area after November 2.
Regional Insights
While most areas of the country can expect a 5 p.m. sunset after Daylight Saving Time ends, these regions, outlined in greater detail below, can expect something slightly different.
- Bismarck, ND — This region stands out because it's surrounded by states that are all predicted to see a sub-5:00 p.m. sunset. Bismarck, North Dakota, on the other hand, is expected to experience a 5:25 p.m. CT sunset.
- Caribou, ME — One of the easternmost regions of the country, Caribou, Maine, can expect an early sunset at roughly 4:14 p.m. EST. This is the earliest sunset predicted on the map. This is due to the way the Earth spins, from west to east, meaning light shines first and leaves first in the eastern U.S.
- Los Angeles, CA — Much of the southern states are expected to experience a sunset after 5:00 p.m., as they are at a lower latitude than states in the north. Los Angeles, California, is the southernmost area expected to see a sub-5 p.m. sunset at 4:58 p.m.
- Tampa, FL — Representing the other end of the bell curve, Tampa, Florida, leads the map with the latest sunset post-Daylight Saving Time, coming at roughly 5:44 p.m. EST, due in large part to its low latitude.
Kate (she/her) is the associate editor of The Pioneer Woman Magazine. She writes features, commerce, and travel content. Kate brings nearly five years of home, food, and lifestyle experience to the role, including time as editorial assistant at Good Housekeeping. Her bylines have appeared in Woman’s Day, Food Network Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Dream Kitchens & Baths, and more. When she’s not writing, Kate can be found lazing in the park with a sudoku in hand.
