The very simple reason Massachusetts does not do daylight saving time (DST), along with Hawaii, is largely historical and linked to energy conservation and lifestyle preferences.
Key Reason Massachusetts Doesn’t Observe DST
Massachusetts has a state law that mandates staying on standard time year-round, mainly because the state’s geographical location and lifestyle don’t benefit enough from the time shift to justify the disruption.
Unlike most states, Massachusetts prioritizes consistency in timekeeping to avoid the confusion and health impacts often attributed to clock changes.
The controversy around DST often centers on its mixed effects on energy consumption and well-being, with urban and northern states like Massachusetts favoring stability.
The Other State: Hawaii
Hawaii has never observed DST since it was first introduced in the U.S., due to its tropical latitude, which results in minimal variation in daylight length throughout the year.
Observing DST in Hawaii would provide little practical benefit, so it remains on standard time permanently to avoid unnecessary clock changes.
Additional Context
The Uniform Time Act allows states to exempt themselves from DST by state law.
Apart from Massachusetts and Hawaii, parts of Arizona also do not observe DST, mainly due to extreme summer heat increasing energy use during extended daylight hours.
Efforts like the Sunshine Protection Act aim to make DST permanent across the U.S., but no federal law currently compels states to do so.
In summary, Massachusetts and Hawaii avoid daylight saving time primarily because their geographic and lifestyle factors make the biannual clock change more burdensome than beneficial.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2025/10/06/did-the-time-change-last-night-when-daylight-saving-time-ends-2025-dst-fall-back-one-hour-when-nov-2/86545134007/)
[2](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/daylight-saving-time-2025-when-clocks-fall-back-health-risks-and-everything-you-need-to-know-about/articleshow/124333339.cms)
[3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daylight_saving_time_in_the_United_States)
[4](https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/story/news/2025/10/11/is-daylight-saving-time-this-weekend-heres-when-to-change-the-clocks/86630160007/)
[5](https://www.timeanddate.com/time/change/usa)
