When Do Montana Clocks Go Back in 2026? Here’s What to Know

There has been a lot of action around the country over the past few years about daylight saving time. 

Should we keep changing the clocks twice a year? Should we stay on daylight saving time all year? Or should we stay on standard time? 

What’s on the Table? Clock Changing Legislation

There are states looking at the issue, legislation being discussed in Washington, and groups on both sides of the debate.

For now, though, nothing has changed here in Montana. 

READ MORE: When Will Montana Stop Changing Clocks? What to Know for 2026

We're still turning those clocks back. 

That will happen on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 2 a.m., when the clocks will go back one hour to 1 a.m.; we will then be back on standard time.   

Of course, if you're one of those people who goes to bed early, you don't have to wait until 2 a.m. You can turn your clocks back before you go to bed Saturday night. 

So, after you're done with Halloween, take off the makeup, get rid of the wig, put away the costume, and turn those clocks back an hour. 

You'll get an extra hour of sleep, unless you're getting up early to play the Montana Millionaire game at 5:30 a.m. that morning. 

READ MORE: House Passes Bill That Could End Montana’s Clock Changes

The Clock Debate: Pros and Cons of Each Time Standard

The debate over what will happen in the future continues. There are people pushing for permanent daylight saving time, while others are pushing for permanent standard time. 

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There's even a national coalition advocating for eliminating the clock changes by making standard time permanent.  

What Do I Want? A Simple Solution to Time Changes

As for me? 

I don't care which one we pick. 

Daylight saving time? Fine. 

Standard time? Fine. 

Just stop changing the clocks. 

That's all I'm asking. 

A Personal Perspective: Living with the Time Shifts

I know I have a weird schedule. I've gone to work in the dark for ten or eleven months out of the year for almost 20 years. 

So, I'm probably not the best person to complain about when the sun comes up. 

But after all these years, I've reached a pretty simple conclusion: 

Pick a time and stick with it.��

I don't care which one.