Illinois to Spring Forward as Daylight Saving Time Begins in March

If you’re looking forward to longer days and more sunshine, you’re in luck! Daylight Saving Time (DST) will begin soon in Illinois. On Sunday, March 9, at 2 a.m., residents will “spring forward” and move their clocks ahead by one hour. While you may lose an hour of sleep, you’ll gain longer evenings filled with daylight, marking the start of longer and warmer days for the state.

Daylight Saving Time officially ends on Sunday, November 2, 2025. However, the ongoing question in Illinois is whether the state will continue the tradition of changing clocks twice a year or move to permanent DST. Let’s explore the details of this annual ritual and the potential changes surrounding it.

When Will Daylight Saving Time Start in Illinois?

Mark your calendars! On Sunday, March 9, 2025, Illinois residents will adjust their clocks at 2 a.m. sharp, moving them forward by one hour. This is the signal for the arrival of longer daylight hours. By the time spring officially begins on Thursday, March 20, residents can expect warmer days following a particularly cold winter. Cities in southwestern Illinois, such as Belleville, and St. Louis will experience more sunshine and rising temperatures after months of snow and icy conditions. By April, average temperatures in Belleville typically rise above 50°F, a welcome change from the winter chill.

The Debate: Will Illinois End the Tradition of Changing Clocks?

While the rest of the country will continue changing their clocks twice a year, Illinois has been contemplating the possibility of ending the clock change altogether. Many bills related to Daylight Saving Time have been introduced in the Illinois legislature over the years, and some of them seek to end the bi-annual clock change.

The latest bill on this matter is House Bill 1400, which, if passed, would make DST permanent in Illinois starting in March 2026. Introduced on January 16, 2025, this bill would allow Illinois to follow the trend of other states considering permanent DST. However, another bill, House Bill 3321, took a different approach and sought to exempt Illinois from DST altogether. Unfortunately, this bill did not pass after the state’s 102nd General Assembly adjourned in January 2023.

The battle to end the clock-changing routine isn’t new. Across the nation, there have been similar discussions and debates. In 2022, the U.S. Senate signed off on legislation to make Daylight Saving Time permanent across the country, but so far, no federal laws have been passed to change this practice.

While many Illinoisans may wish for the elimination of clock changes, only Hawaii and Arizona currently do not observe DST, with the Navajo Nation in Arizona still following the seasonal time shift.

The History of Daylight Saving Time

The concept of Daylight Saving Time has been around for a long time. It was formally made a legal requirement in the United States through the Uniform Time Act of 1966. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics, states are not allowed to independently change time zones or adjust the duration of DST. While states do not have the authority to choose permanent DST on their own, they do have the option to opt out of observing DST altogether.

Currently, states like Arizona and Hawaii have chosen to remain on standard time throughout the year. Still, residents of the 48 other states continue to adjust their clocks for DST every spring and fall.

Sunrise and Sunset Times in Belleville

As we move closer to the end of winter, daylight hours will gradually increase. For residents in Belleville, Illinois, the sun will set later each day. The shift in sunrise and sunset times will give a glimpse of the longer days ahead as DST approaches.

Here are some key sunrise and sunset times in Belleville:

• Friday, January 31: 7:05 a.m. sunrise, 5:21 p.m. sunset
• Saturday, February 15: 6:50 a.m. sunrise, 5:38 p.m. sunset
• Sunday, March 9 (Start of DST): 7:19 a.m. sunrise, 7:01 p.m. sunset
• Monday, March 31: 6:45 a.m. sunrise, 7:22 p.m. sunset
• Tuesday, April 15: 6:23 a.m. sunrise, 7:36 p.m. sunset
• Wednesday, April 30: 6:03 a.m. sunrise, 7:51 p.m. sunset

Why Do We Change Clocks Twice a Year?

The tradition of changing clocks for Daylight Saving Time dates back over a century, with the main goal of saving energy. Originally, the idea was that by shifting an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening, people would use less artificial lighting, thus conserving electricity. It was also thought to benefit businesses and the economy by increasing daylight hours for shopping and other activities.

However, in recent years, the benefits of Daylight Saving Time have been questioned. Some studies suggest that the energy savings from the time shift are minimal and that it can cause negative impacts on people’s health, particularly with the disruption of sleep patterns. In fact, studies have shown that the transition into DST can lead to an increase in heart attacks, strokes, and other health issues due to the abrupt changes in people’s sleep schedules.

Could Climate Change Play a Role?

Another question that’s being raised in discussions about DST is whether climate change could be a contributing factor to the increasing need for more daylight hours. While research on this connection is still ongoing, some scientists suggest that changing weather patterns and rising temperatures may be affecting the way daylight is distributed throughout the year. However, many experts agree that the decision to change clocks is largely a matter of tradition and energy-saving practices rather than an environmental necessity.

What’s Next for Daylight Saving Time in Illinois?

As of now, Illinois will proceed with its usual clock change for 2025, with DST beginning on March 9. Whether or not Illinois will adopt permanent DST remains uncertain, but the conversation is far from over. Residents may find themselves adjusting their clocks twice a year for the foreseeable future unless significant changes are made through new legislation.

Conclusion

Daylight Saving Time will officially start on March 9, 2025, at 2 a.m. in Illinois. While the debate continues over whether the state will eventually make the time change permanent, for now, Illinoisans will continue the tradition of “springing forward” each year. With longer days and warmer temperatures ahead, there’s a lot to look forward to as we move into spring.

Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.

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