When Do the Clocks Go Back?
UK clocks go back one hour at 2am on the last Sunday in October, ending British Summer Time (BST) and returning to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
The exact date and time in 2026
In 2026, UK clocks go back at 2am on Sunday 25 October. At this precise moment, the time changes from 02:00 to 01:00, giving everyone an extra hour. This ends British Summer Time (BST, UTC+1) and returns the entire UK to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT, UTC+0) for the winter months.
What actually changes
When the clocks go back, you gain an extra hour of sleep. The night is effectively one hour longer. Mornings become lighter — the sun rises earlier — but evenings get noticeably darker much sooner. This shift can take a few days to adjust to, especially if you rely on daylight for your mood and energy.
Why the UK uses daylight saving
The UK changes its clocks twice a year to make better use of daylight. In autumn, shifting an hour of daylight from the evening back to the morning prevents very dark mornings during winter months. This aligns the UK with most of Europe and helps with energy use and safety.
What to expect after the change
After 25 October 2026, mornings will be lighter and evenings darker. The sun will rise earlier but set much earlier too. Most smartphones, computers and smart devices update automatically overnight, but analogue clocks, cooker timers and some car clocks need to be changed manually. The next clock change comes on Sunday 28 March 2027, when clocks go forward again.
Frequently asked questions
When do the clocks go back in the UK in 2026?
In 2026, UK clocks go back at 2am on Sunday 25 October 2026. At this moment, 02:00 becomes 01:00, ending British Summer Time (BST) and returning to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Do I gain or lose an hour?
You gain an hour. At 2am the clocks move back to 1am, so you get an extra hour in bed — this is often remembered as "spring forward, fall back".
What happens to sleep and daylight?
You gain an extra hour of sleep. Mornings become lighter as the sun rises earlier, but evenings get darker much sooner. This can take a few days to adjust to.
Why does the UK change the clocks?
The UK uses daylight saving time to make better use of daylight hours. In autumn, shifting an hour of daylight from the evening back to the morning prevents very dark mornings during winter.
When do the clocks next go forward?
The clocks next go forward on Sunday 28 March 2027 at 1am, starting British Summer Time again.