Twice a year, Americans across most of the country find themselves adjusting their clocks—springing forward in March and falling back in November—as part of Daylight Saving Time (DST). But for those living in New York, that tradition might feel… inconsistent.
While it appears that New York dutifully changes its clocks like most other states, there’s growing talk and confusion about whether the Empire State might soon ditch the ritual altogether. And interestingly, there’s one state that actually doesn’t observe Daylight Saving Time at all: Arizona.
So, what’s the deal? Why does Arizona get a pass? And is New York about to follow suit? Let’s break down the very simple reason behind it all.
What is Daylight Saving Time, Anyway?
Daylight Saving Time was originally introduced to make better use of daylight during the longer days of summer. By shifting the clocks forward in spring, people are supposed to benefit from more daylight in the evening, saving energy and promoting outdoor activity.
But in recent years, the concept has come under fire. Critics argue that DST messes with people’s sleep schedules, causes health problems, and doesn’t actually save that much energy. In response, several states have pushed for reforms—and some, like Arizona and Hawaii, have chosen not to participate at all.
So, Does New York Follow Daylight Saving Time?
Yes, New York currently observes Daylight Saving Time. That means clocks are set forward by one hour in March and back by one hour in November, just like most of the U.S.
However, the confusion about whether New York doesn’t do DST might stem from the increasing number of state-level bills and discussions proposing to end the practice. In recent years, New York lawmakers have floated the idea of ditching DST altogether—or making daylight time permanent year-round. Still, for now, those proposals haven’t yet become law.
The One State That Actually Doesn’t Observe DST: Arizona
While New York still follows DST, Arizona doesn’t—and hasn’t since 1968. The reason is actually pretty simple: it’s too hot.
Yes, really.
Arizona opted out of Daylight Saving Time because longer daylight hours in the evening would only mean more time under the scorching desert sun. Keeping the clocks on standard time year-round means cooler evenings come sooner, making life more bearable for residents during the summer months.
It’s worth noting that the Navajo Nation, which stretches into Arizona, does observe DST—so within the state, you actually have areas that do and don’t participate depending on tribal boundaries. Confusing? Definitely.
Why New York Might Want to Ditch Daylight Saving
The push to eliminate DST in New York is fueled by a variety of reasons—many of them health- and economy-related.
1. Health Concerns
Sleep researchers argue that the time changes disrupt our circadian rhythms, increasing risks for heart attacks, strokes, depression, and even car accidents. In fact, studies have shown that the Monday after the spring time change sees a noticeable spike in traffic collisions and workplace injuries.
2. Economic Impact
While DST was once thought to help save energy, modern studies suggest the savings are negligible. Plus, industries like retail, restaurants, and recreation actually prefer longer daylight in the evenings year-round, which boosts consumer spending.
3. Consistency
Opponents of DST argue that it’s simply outdated and unnecessary in our modern, well-lit, climate-controlled world. And with some states trying to stay on permanent daylight time and others considering permanent standard time, the patchwork of rules could become confusing for travel and business.
So Why Can’t New York Just Stop Observing DST?
Here’s the catch: individual states cannot unilaterally switch to permanent daylight saving time. Under current federal law, states can choose not to observe DST (like Arizona and Hawaii), but they cannot opt for daylight time year-round without federal approval.
Several states, including Florida, Washington, and California, have passed laws to make daylight time permanent—but none have been able to implement them yet because Congress hasn’t acted.
That means unless federal law changes, New York would have to stay on standard time year-round if it wanted to ditch the clock-switching ritual. That scenario doesn’t seem to have as much support as the idea of permanent daylight saving time, which many find more appealing.
What About Hawaii?
Alongside Arizona, Hawaii is the other state that does not observe DST. The reasoning there is also based on climate and geography. Being closer to the equator, Hawaii sees relatively consistent sunrise and sunset times year-round, so adjusting the clocks offers little benefit.
The Future of DST: Is Change Coming?
Across the country, momentum is building to end the biannual clock change once and for all. In 2022, the U.S. Senate even passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight time permanent nationwide. However, the bill stalled in the House and hasn’t yet become law.
So for now, New York continues to “spring forward” and “fall back” with the rest of the country. But with growing public support and federal discussions picking up steam, it’s not out of the question that we could one day join Arizona and Hawaii in saying goodbye to Daylight Saving Time for good.
Final Thoughts
While New York still observes Daylight Saving Time, the ongoing debate reflects a nationwide shift in thinking. States like Arizona and Hawaii have shown that life without the twice-a-year time change is not only possible—but preferable for many. Whether New York eventually joins them depends largely on Congress. But for now, the reason Arizona avoids DST is refreshingly simple: nobody wants more sunshine when it’s 115 degrees outside.
