When Do the Clocks Change?
Choose a region and a first year to see when the clocks go forward and back, the time of the change, and the next change from today.
UK and Europe use the rules in force since 1996, and the United States and most of Canada the rules since 2007. Other countries have different rules.
Worked examples
UK 2027
UK and Europe, 2027
Forward Sunday 28 March 2027, back Sunday 31 October 2027
The last Sundays of March and October.
US 2026
United States, 2026
Forward Sunday 8 March 2026, back Sunday 1 November 2026
The second Sunday of March and the first Sunday of November.
Summer time length
UK 2026
210 days
From 29 March to 25 October.
About When Do the Clocks Change?
In the UK the clocks go forward one hour at 1:00 am on the last Sunday in March, when Greenwich Mean Time becomes British Summer Time, and go back one hour at 2:00 am on the last Sunday in October. The European Union changes on the same two dates. In the United States and most of Canada the clocks go forward at 2:00 am on the second Sunday in March and back at 2:00 am on the first Sunday in November. Enter a first year and the page lists the dates for the years that follow.
The next change from today is shown at the top with the number of days to go. The day the clocks go forward is only 23 hours long and the day they go back is 25 hours, which matters for night shifts, timers and anything charged by the hour. Because the UK and the US change on different dates, the time gap between them differs for a few weeks each spring and autumn. The rules covered are those in force since 1996 for the UK and Europe and since 2007 for the US; other countries differ.
How to use When Do the Clocks Change?
- Choose UK and Europe or the United States and most of Canada.
- Enter the first year and how many years to show.
- Read the next change at the top.
- Use the table to plan dates in later years.
Common uses
- Planning a trip, event or shift rota that crosses a change
- Setting up systems and schedules for daylight saving
- Checking when the evenings will be lighter
- Understanding the time gap between the UK and the US
Frequently asked questions
When do the clocks go forward in 2026?
In the UK and Europe on Sunday 29 March 2026, and in the US on Sunday 8 March 2026.
When do the clocks go back in 2026?
In the UK and Europe on Sunday 25 October 2026, and in the US on Sunday 1 November 2026.
Do I gain or lose an hour of sleep?
You lose an hour when the clocks go forward, so that day is 23 hours long, and you gain an hour when they go back, making a 25 hour day.
Do all countries change on the same day?
No. The UK and Europe share dates, and the US and Canada change earlier in spring and later in autumn. Many countries do not change their clocks at all.
Are the rules likely to change?
Governments can change the rules. This page uses the rules in force at the time of writing, so check GOV.UK before planning years ahead.