When do the clocks go forward in the UK?

In 2026, the clocks go forward at 1am on Sunday 29 March in the UK. This annual change marks the start of British Summer Time (BST), when the country shifts from Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) to GMT+1. On this date, time immediately jumps from 1am to 2am, giving us longer evenings but one less hour of sleep.

When do the clocks go forward in the UK?

The clocks go forward at 1am on the last Sunday in March each year. In 2026, this falls on Sunday 29 March. The clocks go back at 2am on the last Sunday in October, which in 2026 is Sunday 25 October. This twice-yearly ritual has been observed in Britain since 1916, though its origins trace back to William Willett’s 1907 proposal.

British Summer Time runs from late March until late October each year, giving the UK an extra hour of evening daylight during spring and summer months. The government website at gov.uk confirms these dates and explains the legislation behind the change. The Royal Museums Greenwich provides historical context on their dedicated time page at rmg.co.uk.

Key Insights

• Clocks advance by one hour at 1am on the last Sunday in March, immediately becoming 2am
• British Summer Time is GMT plus one hour (GMT+1), providing longer summer evenings
• The change minimizes disruption by occurring when most people are asleep
• Longer evenings benefit leisure, tourism, and outdoor exercise activities
• William Willett first proposed daylight saving in 1907, though it was not implemented until 1916 during World War I
• The memory aid “spring forward, fall back” helps remember the direction of each change
• Energy consumption reduction is frequently cited as a benefit of the twice-yearly change

UK Clock Changes Snapshot

The pattern follows the last Sunday of each designated month consistently, as confirmed by University of East London and the RAC. This predictability makes it easy to plan ahead for each annual change.

When do the clocks go back?

The clocks go back at 2am on the last Sunday in October, which in 2026 falls on Sunday 25 October. At this time, clocks revert from 2am to 1am, giving everyone an extra hour of sleep. This change ends British Summer Time and returns the UK to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). According to evesleep.co.uk, this transition marks the return to standard time and shorter dark winter evenings begin.

The asymmetric timing (1am in spring versus 2am in autumn) is deliberate. The 2am timing in autumn means the change occurs after the busier Saturday night but before Sunday morning business activity, reducing confusion and disruption in transportation scheduling.

Why do the clocks change?

The clocks change to maximize use of available daylight during summer months in the northern hemisphere. The concept was seriously proposed by William Willett in 1907 when he published his pamphlet “The Waste of Daylight.” According to the Royal Museums Greenwich, the first implementation occurred in 1916 during World War I under the Summer Time Act, primarily to save coal and support war production.

Modern benefits cited for daylight saving include reduced energy consumption for lighting, increased leisure opportunities with longer evenings, potential reduction in road accidents due to better visibility during evening rush hours, and encouragement of outdoor exercise. Visit London notes that longer evenings particularly benefit tourism and hospitality sectors.

What time do the clocks change?

For spring changes, clocks go forward at 1am on the last Sunday in March, immediately jumping to 2am. For autumn changes, clocks go back at 2am on the last Sunday in October, dropping back to 1am. The University of East London explains these specific times are chosen because activity levels are lowest at these hours, minimizing disruption to daily life and allowing international coordination with other countries that also observe daylight saving.

Timeline of UK Clock Changes

• 1907: William Willett first proposes daylight saving in his pamphlet “The Waste of Daylight”
• 1916: Summer Time Act implemented; UK first observes clock changes during World War I
• 1972: Current legislation standardized the clock change dates across the UK
• 29 March 2026, 1am: Clocks go forward; British Summer Time begins
• 25 October 2026, 2am: Clocks go back; GMT resumes
• March to October 2026: UK operates on BST (GMT+1)

Established Facts vs Unclear Areas

Well-established: The exact mechanism of clock changes (forward one hour in March, back in October), the specific times of 1am and 2am respectively, the dates falling on the last Sunday of each month, and the historical implementation since 1916.

Less certain: The future of clock changes remains under periodic discussion. There have been proposals to permanently adopt BST and avoid biannual changes, but no legislation has been passed. Energy savings figures are estimates and vary by study methodology.

Sources and Quotes

“The clocks change on the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October.” — UK Government (gov.uk) The UK Government states that the clocks change on the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October, and you can find out Коли переводити годинники вперед у Великій Британії.

“In spring the clocks go forward by one hour at 1am on the last Sunday in March. In autumn they go back at 2am on the last Sunday in October.” — RAC

“British Summer Time (BST) is GMT plus one hour. In 2026, clocks go forward on 29 March and back on 25 October.” — University of East London

“The concept of changing clocks to make better use of daylight was first proposed by William Willett in 1907.” — Royal Museums Greenwich

Summary

The clocks go forward in the UK at 1am on Sunday 29 March 2026, marking the start of British Summer Time (BST). This annual change follows a consistent pattern of the last Sunday in March for spring changes and last Sunday in October for autumn changes. The practice, which has been in place since 1916, aims to maximize evening daylight during spring and summer months.

For more information on UK financial dates, see our guide to Nationwide Bank Bonus Payments – 2025 Dates and 2026 Outlook.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do clocks go forward in the UK?
At 1am on the last Sunday in March. In 2026, this is Sunday 29 March.

When do clocks go back in the UK?
At 2am on the last Sunday in October. In 2026, this is Sunday 25 October.

What time zone is BST?
British Summer Time is GMT plus one hour (GMT+1), making clocks show one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time during summer months.

What happens when clocks go forward?
Time jumps forward by one hour, shortening the night by 60 minutes but creating longer evenings with extra daylight after work hours.

Why do the clocks change in the UK?
The change maximizes use of natural daylight during summer evenings, reduces energy consumption, and supports tourism and outdoor leisure activities.

How do I remember which way clocks change?
The phrase “spring forward, fall back” indicates clocks go forward in spring and back in autumn.