UK vs Europe vs US Clock Change Dates
The UK and Europe change clocks on the same dates, but the United States follows its own calendar, which creates weeks when the usual time gaps change.
2026 and 2027 compared
UK and EU in 2026: forward on Sunday, 29 March 2026, back on Sunday, 25 October 2026.
US in 2026: starts Sunday, 8 March 2026, ends Sunday, 1 November 2026.
UK and EU in 2027: forward on Sunday, 28 March 2027, back on Sunday, 31 October 2027.
US in 2027: starts Sunday, 14 March 2027, ends Sunday, 7 November 2027.
What this does to the UK to New York gap
The normal gap is five hours. It becomes four hours in the weeks when the US is on summer time and the UK is not yet, in March, and again in the autumn period between the UK change and the US change.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the US change on different dates?
The US rule is set by federal law, the second Sunday in March and the first Sunday in November, while the UK and EU follow the last-Sunday rule for both changes.
Clock change guides
- What Is Daylight Saving Time (DST)? A Plain-English GuideWhat daylight saving time is, how it works in the UK, Europe and the US, why it exists, its history, who uses it and the argument over scrapping it.
- Why Do the Clocks Go Back in October? The Real ReasonThe clocks go back in autumn to return the UK to GMT, so winter mornings are lighter. The history, the rule, what time it happens and what changes for you.
- When Do the Clocks Go Forward Again After Going Back?When the UK clocks go forward again after the autumn change, how long the UK stays on GMT, when evenings get lighter and how to remember to reset your clocks.