Most of the United States turns clocks forward one hour in spring and back again in fall—that’s called Daylight Saving Time (DST). But if you’ve ever been to Maine or looked into U.S. time zones, you might have noticed something odd. People say Maine doesn’t really follow daylight saving time like the rest of the country. So what’s going on? Is Maine skipping DST completely? And which other state feels the same way? The answer is surprisingly simple—and a bit about location, light, and local choice.
First, Let’s Understand Daylight Saving Time
Daylight Saving Time is meant to make better use of daylight. By moving the clock forward in spring, people get more sunlight in the evening. In fall, clocks go back to standard time. This idea helps save energy and gives people more light after work or school. But not everyone agrees with it.
Does Maine Really Skip Daylight Saving Time?
Officially, no. Maine does observe daylight saving time, just like most of the U.S. However, it feels like it doesn’t—especially in winter. Here’s why:
Maine is located on the far eastern edge of the Eastern Time Zone, but it’s actually much closer in position to the Atlantic Time Zone, which is one hour ahead. Because of this, in winter, the sun rises and sets very early. In some parts of Maine, the sun sets before 4 PM in December. That makes evenings feel extremely short and dark.
So, while Maine officially changes clocks like other states, the time zone it belongs to doesn’t match its geography. That’s the real reason it seems like DST doesn’t help much in Maine.
People in Maine Have Tried to Change Time Zones
This confusion isn’t new. In fact, Maine lawmakers have suggested moving the state into the Atlantic Time Zone, which would skip the need for daylight saving time altogether. This would mean clocks stay the same all year.
But there’s a catch—Maine can’t change time zones on its own. It needs approval from the federal government and would likely want nearby states like Massachusetts and New Hampshire to join too. Without that support, the idea hasn’t moved forward yet.
The Other State That Doesn’t Do Daylight Saving Time: Arizona
Now, here’s the “other state” mentioned in the title. Arizona does not observe daylight saving time (except for the Navajo Nation area). Arizona stays on standard time all year.
Why? Because of the hot weather. In Arizona, people don’t want extra sunlight in the evening when temperatures are already over 40°C. Skipping DST means cooler mornings and less sun during hot evenings—something locals actually prefer.
So, What’s the Simple Reason Maine Wants to Skip DST?
The real reason is geography. Maine is so far east in its time zone that it gets early sunrises and sunsets. DST doesn’t help much, and people are left with dark evenings in winter. Just like Arizona chose to stay comfortable in its weather, Maine’s issue is all about where it sits on the map. People simply want a time system that better fits their daylight.
Maine may technically follow daylight saving time, but because of where it’s located, the system doesn’t work well for its people. That’s why it often feels like Maine doesn’t follow DST. And just like Arizona, which chose comfort over convention, Maine may one day make a change to match its daylight better. Until then, residents will keep changing their clocks—while quietly wishing they didn’t have to.
SOURCES
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_in_Maine
[2] https://fox23maine.com/news/local/bills-aim-to-make-daylight-saving-time-year-round-in-maine-sunshine-protection-act-eastern-time-zone
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/Maine/comments/17nztfw/when_are_we_going_to_get_rid_of_daylight_savings/
[4] https://www.timeanddate.com/time/change/usa
[5] https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/08/04/when-daylight-saving-time-2025/85482583007/
