When Do the Clocks Change? UK Dates, Tips & Why It Matters

Wondering when do the clocks change this year? If you’ve felt that nudge to check calendars and flights, you’re not alone. Interest in clock-change dates always climbs in the weeks before the shift, and with the next spring change coming on the last Sunday of March 2026 many UK readers are searching for exact timings, tips for sleep and travel, and whether the twice-yearly ritual might ever stop. Here’s a clear, practical guide to the UK schedule, what to expect, and smart steps to stay ahead.

Quick answer: the dates you need

In the UK the clocks change twice a year. The pattern is simple: clocks go forward one hour at 01:00 GMT on the last Sunday in March (start of British Summer Time, BST) and go back one hour at 02:00 BST on the last Sunday in October (return to Greenwich Mean Time, GMT).

For 2026 that means:

• Start of BST: Sunday 29 March 2026 — clocks go forward at 01:00 GMT (becoming 02:00 BST).
• Return to GMT: Sunday 25 October 2026 — clocks go back at 02:00 BST (becoming 01:00 GMT).

Why this is trending now

Every spring and autumn the same spike in searches happens—people want to know exact dates for travel, childcare, work rotas and smart device settings. Right now the March 2026 change is on many calendars (and airline schedules), and ongoing public conversations about whether to stop the practice keep the topic visible in the news cycle.

Want an official government reference? See the UK government page on when the clocks change: GOV.UK: When do the clocks change?

How daylight saving works in the UK (brief)

The UK observes daylight saving by shifting one hour forward in spring (BST) to extend evening daylight, and one hour back in autumn (GMT) to return to standard time. The concept—often called daylight saving time—has international variations; for background, the Wikipedia page explains the history and global differences: Daylight saving time — Wikipedia.

Practical impacts: what to check now

Small adjustments make the transition smoother. Here are the most common areas to review before the change:

• Clocks that don’t update automatically (wall clocks, ovens, car clocks).
• Smart devices—phones and computers usually update themselves, but double-check settings and time zone rules.
• Alarms, timers and medication schedules—reset any recurring alarms to match the new time.
• Travel bookings and public transport—platform times are adjusted; look up services the day before. The BBC has useful explainer pieces and local schedule updates during changeover periods: BBC News.

Health, sleep and routines

That one-hour shift can be trivial for some and disruptive for others. Here are simple, evidence-based tips I’ve seen work in practice:

• Shift bedtimes by 15–30 minutes for a few nights before the spring change to reduce sleep disruption.
• Keep morning light exposure high (open curtains, go outside) after clocks go forward to help reset your circadian rhythm.
• Avoid heavy caffeine late in the day around changeover nights and maintain consistent mealtimes.

Table: GMT vs BST — what changes at a glance

Travel, work and public services: what to watch for

If you’re planning flights, trains or international calls around the change, remember:

• Airlines publish times in local time zones—double-check departure/arrival times close to travel dates.
• International meetings can be confusing for attendees in countries that change on different dates (or not at all).
• Some one-off services (overnight trains, event timings) may list both GMT and BST in schedules—read descriptions carefully.

Real-world example: scheduling a call

Imagine you schedule a 09:00 GMT call in the UK for the week the clocks change in March. After the clocks move forward, local UK time will be 10:00 BST relative to UTC—so always pin meetings to a time zone (e.g., “09:00 GMT/10:00 BST”) or use calendar apps that show participant local times.

Politics and the future of the clock change

There’s been recurring debate—both in the UK and across Europe—about abandoning seasonal clock changes. The arguments cut both ways: proponents cite extra evening daylight for business and wellbeing, opponents raise health concerns and cross-border coordination issues. That wider debate keeps searches for “when do the clocks change” high each year.

Step-by-step checklist: get ready this weekend

1. Check and update manual clocks (kitchen, mantelpiece, analogue car clocks).
2. Verify automatic devices (phones, tablets, laptops) are set to the correct time zone and allow automatic updates.
3. Adjust alarms and medication reminders if they’re time-sensitive.
4. Confirm travel and work schedules for the weekend of the change.
5. Plan sleep shifts if you’re sensitive to the hour change—move bedtime earlier a little in spring.

Practical takeaways

1. The UK moves clocks forward on the last Sunday in March and back on the last Sunday in October—March 29 and October 25 in 2026.

2. Most smart devices update automatically, but manual clocks, alarms and travel plans still need your attention.

3. Minor sleep-hygiene tweaks in the days around the change cut disruption—try shifting bedtimes, boosting morning light and keeping caffeine in check.

Further reading and official info

For authoritative guidance check the official government page: GOV.UK: when the clocks change. For history and global context see Daylight saving time — Wikipedia.

Final thoughts

Knowing exactly when do the clocks change saves headaches: it helps with planning, sleep and travel. Whether you love the extra evening light or dread the adjustment, a few small preparations make the transition smoother. And since the broader debate about seasonal time continues, expect this question to keep popping up—each spring and autumn—on calendars and in headlines.