How Many Days Until Earth Hour? (March 28, 2026)

Earth Hour: A simple guide

Earth Hour is a worldwide climate-awareness moment when people switch off non-essential lights for one hour, usually from 8:30–9:30 p.m. local time on the last Saturday of March. It is a symbolic action that invites everyone to pause, reflect, and choose practical steps that reduce energy use and protect nature.

When Earth Hour happens

Earth Hour takes place on the last Saturday of March each year. Your local time zone determines the hour, so communities create a rolling wave of darkness around the planet.

• Duration: 60 minutes
• Time: 8:30–9:30 p.m. local time
• Pattern: last Saturday in March, every year

Why it matters

Turning off the lights for an hour will not solve climate change by itself. The value of Earth Hour is in raising awareness, building community, and encouraging daily habits that cut emissions and protect ecosystems. The hour becomes a public reminder to make long-term improvements at home, at work, and in cities.

How to participate

1. Switch off non-essential lights at 8:30 p.m. for one hour.
2. Unplug or put devices on low-power mode where practical.
3. Plan a low-energy activity: stargazing, board games, candlelit reading, or a neighborhood walk.
4. Share the moment with family, friends, or your community group to inspire others.
5. Turn the hour into action: set goals for energy efficiency, waste reduction, and local nature projects.

Practical actions that last beyond the hour

• Lighting: Move to LED bulbs and smart timers. Aim for task lighting instead of whole-room lighting.
• Heating & cooling: Improve insulation, seal drafts, and use programmable thermostats.
• Appliances: Choose energy-efficient models (look for credible labels), run full loads, and use eco modes.
• Travel: Walk, cycle, or use public transport more often; combine trips to reduce car use.
• Food: Cut avoidable food waste, plan meals, and store food well.
• Nature: Plant native species, protect local green areas, and support community clean-ups.

Key facts at a glance

Origin: Sydney, 2007 — a community action that grew into a global campaign.

Focus: Awareness, collective action, and everyday sustainability choices.

Participation: Individuals, schools, businesses, and cities worldwide take part each year.

Tips for homes and businesses

• Homes: Create a quick checklist: lights, standby devices, chargers, routers, and heating/cooling settings.
• Businesses: Communicate the event to staff, shut down non-critical systems, and schedule a post-hour audit to capture energy-saving opportunities.
• Events: Host talks, night runs, or music sessions that work without heavy lighting or amplification.

Frequently asked questions

Is Earth Hour the same day everywhere?
No. It occurs on the same calendar date globally (the last Saturday of March) but at each location’s 8:30–9:30 p.m. local time.

Does one hour really help?
The hour itself saves a small amount of electricity. The long-term benefit comes from the habits and upgrades people adopt afterward—better lighting, efficient appliances, and informed community choices.

What if I cannot switch off all lights?
Do what you can safely. Focus on non-essential lights and devices, and consider using the time to plan efficiency improvements.

Checklist for the day

• Set a reminder for 8:30 p.m. local time.
• Prepare candles or solar lamps for safe lighting.
• Invite friends or neighbors to join.
• Choose a low-energy activity you’ll enjoy.
• Note one change you’ll keep all year (for example, replacing five bulbs with LEDs).