Not Many People Know The True Reason Why Arizona Does Not Observe Daylight Savings

Arizona is one of the few places in the United States that does not observe daylight saving time (DST). While most of the country springs forward and falls back each year, Arizona’s clocks stay the same year-round, with the exception of the Navajo Nation. Here are the main reasons why:

Extreme Summer Heat

The primary reason Arizona doesn’t change its clocks is the state’s extremely hot summer temperatures. Moving clocks forward an hour would mean an extra hour of sunlight and heat in the evening. “In Arizona, shifting an hour of daylight to the evening, when temperatures typically are warmest, means one more hour of air conditioning, which means increased energy consumption” (Day & Night Air, 2023). By not observing DST, Arizona residents can enjoy cooler temperatures in the evening and save on energy costs.

Consistency and Simplicity

Remaining on standard time year-round provides consistency for residents, businesses, and schools in Arizona. It avoids the twice-yearly disruptions and adjustments that come with changing clocks. As the Arizona Daily Star puts it, “Arizona may be the 39th-best state according to the latest rankings by U.S. News & World Report, but we are No. 1 when it comes to clock-based common sense” (The Arizona Republic, 2018).

Opting Out After Trying DST

Arizona actually observed daylight saving time in 1967 under the Uniform Time Act. However, the state legislature voted to opt out the following year in 1968 (Pima County Public Library, n.d.). After trying it out for a year, Arizona decided it was not worth the hassle and higher energy bills, and has remained on standard time ever since.

Exceptions Within Arizona

While most of Arizona happily does not change its clocks, there is one exception – the Navajo Nation in northeastern Arizona does observe daylight saving time. However, the Hopi Reservation, which is surrounded by the Navajo Nation, opts out of DST like the rest of the state (Wikipedia, 2023). This means there can be multiple time changes within a short drive across the Navajo Nation and Hopi Reservation.In conclusion, Arizona’s extreme summer heat, desire for consistency, and brief flirtation with daylight saving time in the past have led to its unique status as a state that does not observe DST. Aside from the Navajo Nation, Arizonans enjoy the same standard time all year long. Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and a few other U.S. territories also do not change their clocks. But for most Arizonans, not having to adjust schedules and lose an hour of sleep each spring is a welcome relief.