When to Set Clocks Ahead in South Dakota

Daylight Saving Time in South Dakota

The holidays are behind us, and now we are into the run-up to spring in South Dakota. There are a couple of days to look forward to as we move through March and April.

First is Easter, which in 2026 falls on Sunday, April 5. The other day to look forward to is the return of Daylight Saving Time. Once we spring forward, those long winter nights will really be shortened.

The sun rises and sets about a minute earlier and later, respectively, each day. We've been adding daylight since the winter solstice in December. But, when we jump ahead an hour, our evening will enjoy sunlight once again.

When Do We Set Our Clocks Ahead in 2026?

We will officially start Daylight Saving Time at 2:00 AM on Sunday, March 8. We spring forward; 2:00 AM will become 3:00 AM. To make it easier on ourselves, set your clocks ahead an hour before bed on Saturday, March 7.

We will officially start Daylight Saving Time at 2:00 AM on Sunday, March 8

Love it or hate it, even if you're just indifferent to it, changing our clocks nowadays is not as much of a pain as in the old days. Now, most of my clocks are digital and connected to a network that will change itself. My phone, computer, and TV all will make the jump without me remembering to fumble around in 'settings.'

The only clocks to worry about are any analog clocks, you know, ones with hands, and digital ones not on a network. In my house, that's always the stove and the microwave.

Oh, and the car. Don't forget to change the clock in your car if you have one, like me, that isn't connected to the internet. Or, just leave it, and it will tell the correct time again in about six months.

Daylight Saving Time also allows us to break out his classic stand-up routine from comedian Paul F. Tompkins: