Residents of select municipalities along Mexico’s northern border will need to adjust their clocks forward one hour on Sunday, March 8, 2026, as daylight saving time goes into effect. The change, designed to synchronize time with the United States, will witness clocks move from 2:00 a.m. To 3:00 a.m. This daylight saving period will remain in effect until November 1, 2026, when clocks will be turned back to standard time.
This change does not apply nationwide. It is limited to a specific band of municipalities bordering the United States. The rest of Mexico will maintain its standard time throughout the year.
What to Expect When Changing the Clock
In the affected border regions, clocks will advance one hour on March 8th. Specifically, 2:00 a.m. Will grow 3:00 a.m. It is recommended that residents adjust their clocks the night before, before going to sleep. This change will result in losing one hour of sleep.
Common effects of this time shift include feelings of tiredness, changes in mood, and a temporary decrease in concentration.
Which Mexican Municipalities Observe Daylight Saving Time?
Daylight saving time was eliminated across most of Mexico in 2022. However, municipalities along the northern border continue to observe it to maintain alignment with the United States, due to strong economic and social ties.
Municipalities Observing Daylight Saving Time
| State | Municipalities Observing Daylight Saving Time in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Baja California | Ensenada, Mexicali, Playas de Rosarito, Tecate, Tijuana |
| Chihuahua | Coyame del Sotol, Ojinaga, Manuel Benavides, Janos, Ascensión, Juárez, Praxedis G. Guerrero, Guadalupe |
| Coahuila | Acuña, Allende, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Jiménez, Morelos, Nava, Ocampo, Piedras Negras, Villa Unión, Zaragoza |
| Nuevo León | Anáhuac, Los Aldama |
| Tamaulipas | Nuevo Laredo, Guerrero, Mier, Miguel Alemán, Camargo, Gustavo Díaz Ordaz, Reynosa, Río Bravo, Valle Hermoso, Matamoros |
The primary reason for maintaining daylight saving time in these areas is to facilitate coordination with U.S. Cities, given the daily cross-border flow of people for work, commerce, and services.
States Not Observing Daylight Saving Time
Several northern states, and the rest of the country, do not observe daylight saving time, either due to alignment with U.S. States that also do not change their clocks, or because the 2022 reform eliminated the adjustment in those territories.
States Not Observing Daylight Saving Time
| State | Time Situation |
|---|---|
| Sonora | Does not change the hour; aligns with Arizona, which also does not adjust its clock |
| Baja California Sur | Does not advance the clock; maintains the same hour year-round |
| Sinaloa | Does not apply daylight saving time |
| Rest of the country | Does not change the hour; remains on standard time throughout the year |
If you do not live in one of the listed northern border municipalities, you do not need to change your clock. Residents of Sonora, Baja California Sur, and Sinaloa will also maintain a fixed hour throughout the year.
Adjusting Devices and Clocks
In the municipalities observing daylight saving time, many devices will automatically adjust. However, some will require manual updates, including microwave clocks, electric ovens, wall clocks, and car clocks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the entire country of Mexico change its clocks in 2026?
No. Only municipalities bordering Baja California, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas will change their clocks. The rest of the country will maintain a fixed schedule throughout the year.
On what day will the clock be advanced in 2026?
The clock will be advanced on Sunday, March 8, 2026. The official adjustment occurs at 2:00 a.m. (becoming 3:00 a.m.).
How long will daylight saving time be in effect in the northern border region?
From March 8th to November 1, 2026. On November 1st, there will be another adjustment to return to standard time.
As the March 8th date approaches, will you be prepared to adjust your clocks if you live in one of the affected border municipalities?
