Understanding Daylight Saving Time (DST): When, Why, and How It Affects You

What Is Daylight Saving Time?

Daylight Saving Time (DST) is the practice of advancing clocks by one hour during summer months to extend evening daylight. Over 70 countries observe DST, affecting more than 1 billion people.

DST Dates by Region (2026)

Countries That DON'T Observe DST

Most countries near the equator don't need DST since daylight hours are consistent year-round. Major countries without DST include:

• India — Single timezone, no DST
• China — Single timezone (CST), no DST
• Japan — No DST since 1952
• Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia — Near equator
• Most of Africa and South America

How DST Breaks Meeting Schedules

When the US "springs forward" but Europe hasn't yet, meetings that worked last week are suddenly off by an hour. Always check DST transition dates when scheduling recurring international meetings.