Brussels: Millions of people across Europe will gain an extra hour of sleep this weekend as clocks go back by one hour, marking the end of daylight saving time and the return to winter time.

Under the European Union’s current seasonal time arrangements, clocks will go back at 2:00 AM local summer time on Sunday, October 25, 2026, in Ireland and the United Kingdom. In most continental European countries, the change will take place at 3:00 AM Central European Summer Time, when clocks return to 2:00 AM Central European Time.

The change means lighter mornings but darker evenings as Europe moves into the winter season.

Ireland and the UK: Clocks Go Back at 2 AM

In Ireland and the UK, clocks will move from 2:00 AM back to 1:00 AM on Sunday morning.

The adjustment will give residents an extra hour in the day. However, people working overnight shifts may need to account for the repeated hour when checking their work schedules and pay arrangements.

Smartphones, computers and other internet-connected devices should update automatically if their date and time settings are configured correctly. Traditional watches, wall clocks, car dashboards and some household appliances may need to be adjusted manually.

Europe’s Time Difference With India Will Increase

The clock change will also affect time differences between Europe and countries outside the continent.

After Ireland and the UK switch to winter time, India will be 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of both countries. During summer time, the difference is 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Most countries in mainland Europe will also move their clocks back, with the exact time difference depending on the country and its time zone.

EU Debate Over Ending Seasonal Clock Changes

The twice-yearly clock change has been the subject of debate across the European Union for several years.

In March 2019, the European Parliament voted in favour of a proposal to end seasonal clock changes. The initiative followed public consultation and discussions about the potential effects on health, transport, energy use and daily life.

However, the proposal required further coordination and agreement among EU member states. The planned reform did not take effect in 2021, and the existing system remains in place.

As a result, European countries continue to move their clocks forward in spring and back in autumn.

Which Other Countries Change Their Clocks?

Europe is not alone in observing seasonal time changes, although practices vary around the world.

United States and most of Canada: Clocks generally go back on the first Sunday in November.
Australia: Daylight saving time is observed in some states and territories, but not nationwide.
India, China and Japan: These countries do not currently observe daylight saving time.

Why Does Europe Change the Clocks?

Daylight saving time was introduced to shift more usable daylight into the evening during the warmer months. In autumn, clocks move back to provide more daylight during the morning.

Supporters argue that the system can help align daily activities with daylight, while critics point to disruption to sleep patterns and questions about its overall benefits.

Europe’s winter-time reminder: Before going to bed on Saturday night, residents should check clocks and appliances that do not update automatically. The seasonal change takes effect on Sunday, October 25, 2026, across participating European countries.