The clocks go back in 2026 on Sunday, 25 October at 2:00 AM, when they turn back one hour to 1:00 AM. The UK leaves British Summer Time (BST) and returns to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which means an extra hour in bed — and darker evenings from Monday. Here is everything you need to know about when the clocks go back in 2026, which devices change automatically, and how to adjust your sleep, kids and pets.
When Do the Clocks Go Back in 2026?
| Date | Sunday, 25 October 2026 |
| Time | 2:00 AM BST becomes 1:00 AM GMT |
| Change | Clocks go back 1 hour (you gain an hour) |
| Rule | Last Sunday in October |
| Clocks go forward next | Sunday, 28 March 2027 at 1:00 AM |
An easy way to remember the direction: “spring forward, fall back”.
Clocks Go Back 2026 Around the World
| Country / region | Date clocks change |
|---|---|
| UK and Ireland | Sunday, 25 October 2026 |
| European Union | Sunday, 25 October 2026 (same moment as the UK) |
| United States and Canada | Sunday, 1 November 2026 at 2:00 AM local time |
| Australia (southern states) | Clocks go forward on Sunday, 4 October 2026 |
| India, Pakistan, most of Asia | No daylight saving time |
For one week (25 October – 1 November) the time difference between the UK and the US East Coast shrinks from five hours to four — worth remembering for international calls and meetings.
Will My Phone Change Automatically?
- Automatically: smartphones, laptops, smartwatches, smart speakers and most smart TVs — as long as automatic time is switched on.
- Often manual: ovens, microwaves, car dashboards, older alarm clocks, central-heating timers and wall clocks.
- Check: CCTV systems, pet feeders, timed plug sockets and fitness trackers.
Why Do the Clocks Go Back?
British Summer Time was introduced by the Summer Time Act 1916, during the First World War, to make better use of daylight and save fuel. The idea had been championed by builder William Willett, who was frustrated that people slept through bright summer mornings. Clocks go back in autumn so that mornings are lighter during winter — helping people travel to work and school safely.
The UK has experimented over the years: during the Second World War it used “British Double Summer Time” (two hours ahead of GMT), and from 1968 to 1971 it trialled staying on BST all year before returning to the current system.
How the Clocks Going Back Affects You
- Lighter mornings, darker evenings – sunset in London moves to around 4:40 PM straight after the change.
- Sleep – most adults adjust in a day or two; babies and young children can take a week.
- Road safety – the evening commute becomes darker; wear something reflective when walking or cycling.
- Mood – shorter days can affect energy; get outdoor light in the morning.
Tips to Adjust to the Clock Change
For adults
- Use the extra hour for sleep, not an extra hour on your phone.
- Get daylight within an hour of waking on Sunday and Monday.
- Keep meal times consistent with the new clock.
For babies and children
- Shift bedtime 10–15 minutes later each night for the four nights before the change.
- Use blackout blinds so lighter mornings do not wake them early.
- Stay consistent – routines anchor the body clock.
For pets
Dogs and cats notice when breakfast or walks move. Shift feeding and walking by 10 minutes a day during the week before the change.
Autumn Plans for the Extra Hour
The clocks go back just a week before Halloween. Use your extra hour to plan a movie night from our best Halloween movies list, carve a pumpkin with our pumpkin carving ideas, or watch the October 2026 Hunter’s Moon, which peaks the same weekend.
Clocks Go Back 2026 FAQ
Do the clocks go back or forward in October 2026?
Back. On Sunday, 25 October 2026 at 2:00 AM they go back one hour to 1:00 AM.
Do I get an extra hour of sleep?
Yes — the night of Saturday 24 to Sunday 25 October is one hour longer.
When do the clocks go forward in 2027?
Sunday, 28 March 2027 at 1:00 AM.
When do the clocks change in the US in 2026?
Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, 1 November 2026.
Official details are on GOV.UK: When do the clocks change?
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