Texas will observe Daylight Saving Time in 2026, springing forward on at , and falling back on at . The adjustment impacts major cities including Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin, which are central to the state’s economic and transportation activities. The purpose of Daylight Saving Time is to extend daylight hours into the evening and coordinate schedules with neighboring states in the Central and Mountain time zones.
When Does Daylight Saving Time Begin and End in Texas in 2026?
In Texas, Daylight Saving Time will begin on , when clocks will be advanced from to . Daylight Saving Time will remain in effect until , when clocks will be turned back from to , returning to standard time. This applies to areas in both Central Time and the portion of the state located in Mountain Time.
Key Dates for Daylight Saving Time in Texas 2026
| Event | Date 2026 | Local Time | Clock Adjustment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start of Daylight Saving Time | Sunday, March 8 | 2:00 a.m. | Advance to 3:00 a.m. (lose 1 hour). |
| End of Daylight Saving Time | Sunday, November 1 | 2:00 a.m. | Set back to 1:00 a.m. (gain 1 hour). |
How to Adjust Clocks in Texas
The simplest way to manage the change is to advance manual clocks the night of , and set them back the night of . Local recommendations suggest paying particular attention to work, transportation, and school schedules in the days surrounding the adjustment.
Steps to Adjust Clocks in Texas
- Night of March 7th: Advance all manual clocks by 1 hour.
- Early morning of March 8th: Official change 2:00 a.m. → 3:00 a.m.
- Night of October 31st: Set all manual clocks back by 1 hour.
- Early morning of November 1st: Official change 2:00 a.m. → 1:00 a.m.
Which Texas Cities are Affected and Why is Daylight Saving Time Applied?
Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin, along with other cities like El Paso and Fort Worth, will adjust their schedules for transportation, energy, and public services with the time change. Daylight Saving Time aims to extend daylight into the evening, which can promote road safety, sporting activities, and business in restaurants and shops.
| City | Primary Time Zone | Applies DST 2026 | Key Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | Central Time | Yes. | Adjusts 2:00 → 3:00 in March and 2:00 → 1:00 in November. |
| Dallas | Central Time | Yes. | Follows the federal Daylight Saving Time schedule. |
| San Antonio | Central Time | Yes. | Same pattern as the rest of Texas. |
| Austin | Central Time | Yes. | Aligns government and university schedules. |
| El Paso | Mountain Time | Yes. | Adjustment according to the Mountain Time zone. |
Which Appliances and Devices Need Adjustment in Texas?
As in other states, smartphones, laptops, and smartwatches update automatically, but many household appliances do not have automatic updates.
Devices to check in Texas
- Kitchen clocks (oven, microwave).
- Wall clocks, alarm radios, and basic timers.
- Older sound equipment and entertainment systems.
- Vehicle dashboard clocks.
- Irrigation, security, or climate control systems not connected to the cloud.
Texas follows the federal Daylight Saving Time schedule, so the dates and times of the change are set nationally. Authorities often emphasize that DST helps synchronize schedules with other states, improve the use of natural light, and support certain economic activities. At the same time, there is debate about the impact on sleep, productivity, and health, which has led to proposals for changes, although no changes have been confirmed for 2026.
Key Tips for the Time Change in Texas
- Gradually adjust your sleep routine in the week leading up to March 8th.
- Check public transportation schedules, flights, and work shifts.
- Make sure irrigation and security systems maintain the correct schedule after the change.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the Time Change in Texas 2026
When does Daylight Saving Time start in Texas in 2026?
It starts on , when clocks will be advanced from to .
When does Daylight Saving Time end in Texas?
It ends on , when clocks will be turned back from to .
Which cities in Texas are affected?
Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and El Paso, among others, adjust their clocks following the same federal schedule.
In March, do you spring forward or fall back in Texas?
In March, you spring forward one hour; in November, you fall back one hour, just like in most of the United States.
Do I need to change the time on all my devices?
Only on those that do not update automatically, such as kitchen clocks, cars, and some home programming systems.
