Ah, the clocks. That twice-a-year moment where we all suddenly become amateur timekeepers, checking our phones, our ovens, and that one stubborn wall clock that’s still on “British Summer Time” three weeks later. But when exactly do the clocks go back in the UK - and why do we even do it?
Whether you’re looking forward to an extra hour lounging in bed, or dreading those darker evenings, here’s everything you need to know.
so... when do the clocks go back in 2026?
Let’s get straight to it. In 2026, the clocks in the UK will go back by one hour at 2am on Sunday, 25th October.
That means at 2am, the clocks magically jump back in time to 1am - giving you a precious extra hour of sleep (or partying, depending on your Saturday night plans).
If you're in the UK it tends to be pretty easy. Your smartphone, computer, and other connected devices will probably update automatically. But don’t forget that you’ll have to manually change things like the microwave, your car’s dashboard, and - if you’re fancy - a traditional wall clock or wristwatch.
what does "going back" mean, exactly?
When we say the clocks "go back", we're moving from British Summer Time (BST) to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). In essence:
- BST = GMT + 1 hour (aka "summer time")
- GMT = standard time for the UK (aka "winter time")
So when the clocks go back in October, we’re shifting from BST to GMT. And yes, that does mean sunrise and sunset will both happen an hour earlier than they did the day before.
why do we change the clocks at all?
A great question - and one people often argue about. The tradition of changing the clocks goes all the way back to the early 20th century.
It was first introduced in the UK in 1916, during World War I, as a way to make better use of daylight and save on fuel. By shifting the clocks forward in spring and back in autumn, people could enjoy more daylight during waking hours - reducing the need for artificial lighting and heating (1).
It might only seem like a minimal change now, but back then, every little saving counted.
what’s the deal with british summer time (bst)?
BST is the period when we move our clocks forward by one hour to enjoy longer daylight during the evening. It starts on the last Sunday in March and ends on the last Sunday in October.
In 2026:
- Clocks go forward: Sunday, 29th March (start of BST)
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Clocks go back: Sunday, 25th October (end of BST)
So when we talk about the clocks “going back”, it’s the end of BST and the return to good ol’ GMT.
is it the same every year?
Pretty much yeah. The clocks always go back on the last Sunday in October, and always go forward on the last Sunday in March.
Of course, the exact date changes year by year, but the pattern itself stays the same. Mark it in your calendar, or just rely on your smartphone’s built-in wizardry to do the maths for you.
how does it affect us?
1. an extra hour of sleep
Let’s be honest - this is definitely the highlight for most people. That moment of pure joy and bliss when you wake up, check your phone, and realise you’ve got a whole nother hour in bed. Simply glorious, couldn’t ask for much more really.
2. darker evenings
Unfortunately, the joy is short-lived. As soon as the clocks go back, the evenings start to draw in noticeably earlier. Suddenly it’ll feel like it’s pitch black by 5pm.
3. mood and productivity
Some people struggle with the darker months, and the clock change can mark the beginning of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) for some. If that’s you, you’re not alone - and there are ways to manage it, some little ideas include: daylight lamps, morning walks, and vitamin D supplements.
4. commuting and safety
Unfortunately, the switch also has an impact on road safety. Studies have shown there’s a rise in accidents after the clocks go back - partly due to the reduced visibility during rush hour (2). So, if you’re a driver, cyclist, or pedestrian, be sure to travel extra cautiously in the weeks that follow.
does anyone actually like changing the clocks?
Opinions are mixed.
Some people love the long, light summer evenings and don’t mind the change. Others see it as a pointless tradition that messes with sleep patterns, schedules, and energy levels.
There’s been plenty of debate over the years about scrapping the whole system altogether. In fact, the European Union voted to end mandatory clock changes altogether - but it hasn’t been implemented yet. And the UK? Well, we’re still sticking with the old system, for now at least.
what if you forget?
Don’t panic. In most cases, technology has your back.
Your smartphone, laptop, tablet, and smart devices should all update automatically. The biggest culprits for “clock confusion” tend to be:
- The oven/microwave (always)
- The car dashboard clock
- Traditional watches or alarm clocks
- Your central heating system’s timer
If you're unsure whether your device updates itself, it’s worth checking it the morning after. You could even set a reminder to do this in advance if you think you’ll forget.
Worst case scenario? You turn up to work or an appointment an hour early - which is at least better than an hour late! Or at least we think it is.
a few random clock change facts you definitely didn’t ask for (but might enjoy)
- The US does it too, but not all of it. States like Arizona and Hawaii don’t bother with daylight saving time.
- The world doesn’t agree: Many countries around the equator don’t change clocks at all, because their daylight hours don’t tend to change that much throughout the year.
- Benjamin Franklin is often (incorrectly) credited with inventing daylight saving time. He did suggest that people should get up earlier to make use of daylight but he didn’t actually propose changing the clocks.
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Some people call it "daylight saving time", others say "summer time" - it depends where you are in the world. In the UK, “British Summer Time” is the official term.
tl;dr (too long; didn’t read)
- The clocks go back one hour in the UK on Sunday, 25th October 2026 at 2am.
- You get an extra hour of sleep, but also darker evenings.
- We switch from British Summer Time (BST) back to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
- The change happens every year on the last Sunday in October.
- Most devices update automatically - but check your car and kitchen gadgets!
final thoughts
Whether you love it or loathe it, the clock change is part of life in the UK (for now at least). So make the most of that bonus hour. Whether you get to enjoy a lazy lie-in, an extra-long breakfast, or the smug satisfaction of resetting all your clocks before anyone else does.
And hey, at least we’ve all got a good excuse to be a little bit disoriented that day.
