Daylight saving time has officially ended for 2025. And this is what it means for travels and tourism.
Early Sunday morning, clocks were turned back one hour, marking the return to standard time — and giving everyone an extra hour of rest. Here’s what you should know about this annual time shift.
Notably, Nigeria, like most countries near the equator, has fairly consistent daylight hours throughout the year. Sunrise and sunset times don’t vary much between seasons. Because of that, there’s no practical need to shift the clocks forward or backward.
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When did the time change for fall 2025?
The change took place on Sunday, November 2, at 2 a.m., when clocks moved back to 1 a.m. Daylight saving time started earlier this year on March 9, and it will begin again next spring on March 8, 2026.
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Did we gain or lose an hour?
As clocks went back, people gained an hour, meaning a longer night’s sleep for most Americans. Many digital devices reset automatically, but traditional clocks and watches may need to be adjusted by hand.
With the shift, sunset will occur earlier in the evening, while sunrise will happen earlier in the morning, leading to darker afternoons and brighter mornings.
Why was daylight saving time introduced?
The idea of adjusting clocks seasonally has existed for decades, though its exact origins are debated. Common explanations include helping farmers or encouraging earlier wake times, but those claims aren’t fully supported by history.
The first official use of daylight saving time occurred in Germany in 1916, during World War I, as a way to conserve energy. Other European nations and the U.S. soon followed.
In the U.S., the Uniform Time Act of 1966 made daylight saving time a nationwide standard, managed by the Department of Transportation.
Travel and Tourism
Permanent daylight saving time (DST) has long been debated for its potential to boost tourism, improve safety, and save energy. Supporters argue that longer evening daylight encourages outdoor recreation and increases visits to parks and attractions, potentially adding billions to tourism revenue, especially in spring and fall. Studies show people are more active and spend less time indoors during extended daylight hours.
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However, critics note drawbacks, such as challenges for morning-dependent industries like skiing and agriculture, and mixed results on energy savings, with some regions using more electricity during darker mornings.
Health experts also warn that shifting daylight away from mornings can disrupt natural sleep cycles and increase fatigue. While permanent DST could benefit tourism and outdoor activities, its overall effects on energy, health, and lifestyle remain uncertain and vary by region.
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