What is it and When Does Daylight Saving Time Start in Colorado 2026?

The Short Version…
Daylight Saving Time begins in Colorado Springs on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 2:00 am. At that moment, clocks will “spring forward” one hour to 3:00 am, providing an extra hour of evening sunlight while shortening the night by 60 minutes.

Today is March 5th, which means we are exactly three days away from the annual “spring forward” ritual. 🕒 As a local Realtor helping families navigate the Colorado Springs market, I have noticed that this shift signals more than just a lost hour of sleep, it is the unofficial kickoff to our busiest home-buying season. If you are planning your weekend or scheduling home tours, here is the breakdown of the timing and what it means for our community.

The Exact Timing for the 2026 Time Change
Colorado Springs adheres to the standard United States Daylight Saving Time rules for the Mountain Time Zone. 🏔️ On Sunday, March 8, 2026, the transition happens at 2:00 am local standard time. Most smartphones, computers, and smart home devices will update automatically. However, you will still need to manually adjust those appliances that are not connected to the internet before you head to bed on Saturday night.

How the Shift Impacts Your Daily Routine
The most noticeable change on March 8th is that both sunrise and sunset will occur roughly one hour later than the day before. 🌅 This means your Monday morning commute might feel a bit darker, but you will gain significant “usable” light in the late afternoon and evening.

For my clients looking to sell their homes, this extra hour of evening light is a massive benefit. It allows potential buyers to view properties after work while there is still enough natural light to appreciate the landscaping and mountain views. For those moving into their first home, it provides more time for evening projects or enjoying a walk through the neighborhood.

Managing the Adjustment Period
While the extra light is welcome, the transition can be a bit of a shock to the system. ☕ It usually takes about two weeks for our internal rhythms to fully adjust to the new schedule. You might find yourself needing to remind the kids that it is actually bedtime, even though the sun is still peeking over the horizon. Experts often recommend hitting the hay 15 to 20 minutes earlier each night leading up to Sunday to make the transition smoother.

The Status of Permanent Daylight Saving Time in Colorado
There has been significant discussion regarding whether Colorado should move to a permanent, year-round Daylight Saving Time. While past legislative efforts, such as HB17-1226, have explored this possibility, any permanent change requires federal approval and often the cooperation of neighboring states. As of March 2026, no such change has taken effect. Colorado Springs will continue to follow the seasonal cycle, with our next “fall back” scheduled for November 1, 2026. 🗓️

Frequently Asked Questions

When exactly do I change my clocks in Colorado Springs?
You should move your clocks forward by one hour on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 2:00 am. Most residents find it easiest to change their manual clocks before going to bed on Saturday night, March 7.

Does Colorado Springs follow the same time as Denver?
Yes. Colorado Springs, Denver, and the entire state of Colorado operate within the Mountain Time Zone and follow the same Daylight Saving Time schedule. 📍

How does the time change affect home showings?
The “spring forward” move is generally positive for the real estate market. The later sunset allows for more evening showing appointments, which is often the only time working buyers are available to tour homes in person. 🏠

Will we lose an hour of sleep on March 8, 2026?
Yes. Because the clocks jump from 2:00 am directly to 3:00 am, the night is effectively one hour shorter. While it can be a tired Sunday morning, the trade-off is months of brighter evenings in the Pikes Peak region.