When do the clocks change?

Twice a year the clocks in the UK change, moving an hour forward and then one hour back.

But why does this happen? Does it also take place across Europe? And what dates should you look out for in 2026?

Read our latest know how guide to learn more.

When did the clocks change in 2025?

The clocks were adjusted forward by one hour at 1:00am on Sunday 30th March 2025, marking the start of Daylight Saving Time.

This means that the time immediately shifted from 1:00am to 2:00am, effectively shortening the night by one hour.

On Sunday 26th October 2025, the clocks were set back by one hour at 2:00am 

The 26th October marks the end of Daylight Saving Time, when the time shifted from 2:00am back to 1:00am, giving the majority of us an extra hour of sleep and bringing us back to standard time.

When will the clocks change next?

On Sunday 29th March 2026, the clocks will be set back by one hour at 2:00am.

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Why do the clocks change?

The clocks change twice a year in the UK as part of the practice of Daylight Saving Time (DST).

The main reason for this is to make better use of natural daylight during the longer days of spring and summer.

The clocks are moved forward by one hour in the spring (typically the last Sunday in March) so that the evening daylight lasts longer

However, the original idea behind DST, particularly during World War I and II, was to save energy. The longer daylight hours meant less need for artificial lighting in the evenings.

Clocks across the UK go back in the autumn (the last Sunday in October) to return to standard time, which helps ensure that mornings are brighter.

What is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)?

Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) is a time standard that was once the world’s reference time.

It is based on the mean solar time at the Prime Meridian, which runs through Greenwich, in London.

Other time zones across the world are defined by a certain number of hours ahead or behind GMT.

GMT is used during the winter months when the country is not observing Daylight Saving Time (DST).

During the summer months, the UK switches to British Summer Time (BST), which is GMT+1, to make better use of daylight in the evenings.

What is British Summer Time (BST)?

British Summer Time (BST) is the time zone used in the summer months, when the clocks are advanced by one hour from Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

BST begins on the last Sunday in March and ends on the last Sunday in October.

When do the clocks change in 2026?

In 2026, the clocks will go forward an hour at 1am on Sunday 29th March and will then go back on Sunday 25th October.

When do the clocks change in 2027?

In 2027, the clocks will go forward one hour at 1am on Sunday 28th March and will then go back one hour on Sunday 31st October.

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When do the clocks change in Europe in 2025?

In 2025, the clocks in Europe go forward by one hour at 1:00am on Sunday, 30th March, marking the start of Daylight Saving Time (beginning of Summer Time).

The clocks go back by one hour at 2:00am on Sunday, 26th October, signalling the end of Daylight Saving Time (return to Standard Time).

This affects all countries within the European Union, as well as Norway, Switzerland, Monaco, Ukraine, and Andorra.

Iceland follows Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) year-round.

Turkey remains on Daylight Saving Time (DST) through the year.

Although GMT is still recognised by many countries, Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is the primary time standard used worldwide.

All counties in Europe are either UTC +0, UTC +1, UTC +2, or UTC +3 – so check what the time zone is for you before your next European holiday.