California does not currently avoid daylight saving time (DST), but it has made efforts to change its timekeeping practices. Meanwhile, Hawaii and most of Arizona are the two U.S. states that do not observe DST.
California’s Situation
In 2018, Californians passed Proposition 7, which gave the state legislature the authority to change DST practices if a two-thirds majority in both houses approved and if federal law allowed it.
However, this did not immediately abolish DST in California. Recent legislative efforts, such as SB 1413 introduced in 2024, aim to adopt permanent standard time, citing health benefits and alignment with human biological clocks. These efforts are still under review and require federal approval to implement permanent changes.
Hawaii and Arizona
Hawaii and Arizona have opted out of DST under the Uniform Time Act of 1966, which allows states to remain on standard time year-round.
Hawaii: Its location near the equator means there is minimal variation in daylight throughout the year. As a result, DST offers no significant benefit in terms of energy savings or extended daylight.
Arizona: The state avoids DST primarily due to its extreme summer heat. Extending daylight into the evening would increase energy consumption for cooling and disrupt residents’ routines. However, the Navajo Nation within Arizona does observe DST because it spans multiple states that follow the practice.
These decisions reflect local geographical and climatic considerations rather than a uniform national policy.
Sources
- https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/daylight-saving-time-back-why-still-changing-our-clocks/3642221/
- https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/national-international/daylight-saving-time-2025-spring/3637394/
- https://thehill.com/homenews/nexstar_media_wire/5184764-two-states-didnt-spring-forward/
- https://www.rd.com/article/states-dont-observe-daylight-saving-time/
- https://www.newsweek.com/daylight-savings-2025-us-states-where-clocks-dont-change-2039400
