diff --git a/examples/advection/surface.py b/examples/advection/surface.py
index 026bf9947..c7b96c690 100644
--- a/examples/advection/surface.py
+++ b/examples/advection/surface.py
@@ -214,7 +214,7 @@ def rhs(t, u):
     logger.info("nsteps:    %d", nsteps)
 
     from grudge.shortcuts import set_up_rk4
-    dt_stepper = set_up_rk4("u", dt, u0, rhs)
+    dt_stepper = set_up_rk4("u", float(dt), u0, rhs)
     plot = Plotter(actx, dcoll, order, visualize=visualize)
 
     norm_u = actx.to_numpy(op.norm(dcoll, u0, 2))
diff --git a/examples/advection/var-velocity.py b/examples/advection/var-velocity.py
index dd266280a..7b6cebd83 100644
--- a/examples/advection/var-velocity.py
+++ b/examples/advection/var-velocity.py
@@ -200,7 +200,7 @@ def rhs(t, u):
     # {{{ time stepping
 
     from grudge.shortcuts import set_up_rk4
-    dt_stepper = set_up_rk4("u", dt, u, rhs)
+    dt_stepper = set_up_rk4("u", float(dt), u, rhs)
     plot = Plotter(actx, dcoll, order, visualize=visualize,
             ylim=[-0.1, 1.1])
 
diff --git a/examples/advection/weak.py b/examples/advection/weak.py
index eee9999da..35ef9bf8e 100644
--- a/examples/advection/weak.py
+++ b/examples/advection/weak.py
@@ -172,7 +172,7 @@ def rhs(t, u):
     # {{{ time stepping
 
     from grudge.shortcuts import set_up_rk4
-    dt_stepper = set_up_rk4("u", dt, u, rhs)
+    dt_stepper = set_up_rk4("u", float(dt), u, rhs)
     plot = Plotter(actx, dcoll, order, visualize=visualize,
             ylim=[-1.1, 1.1])