When Do the Clocks Change in the UK? Dates for the Next Five Years
The UK changes its clocks twice a year: forward one hour on the last Sunday of March and back one hour on the last Sunday of October. Here are the exact dates.
Dates for the next five years
2026: forward on Sunday, 29 March 2026, back on Sunday, 25 October 2026.
2027: forward on Sunday, 28 March 2027, back on Sunday, 31 October 2027.
2028: forward on Sunday, 26 March 2028, back on Sunday, 29 October 2028.
2029: forward on Sunday, 25 March 2029, back on Sunday, 28 October 2029.
2030: forward on Sunday, 31 March 2030, back on Sunday, 27 October 2030.
What time the change happens
The change happens in the early hours of a Sunday so that it disturbs as little as possible. In spring, 01:00 GMT jumps straight to 02:00 BST, so one hour is skipped. In autumn, 02:00 BST falls back to 01:00 GMT, so the hour from 01:00 to 02:00 happens twice.
Most phones, computers and smart devices update themselves. Wall clocks, ovens, car dashboards and some watches still need to be changed by hand.
How to remember which way
Spring forward, fall back. In spring you lose an hour of sleep, and in autumn you gain one. The evenings get lighter in spring because the sun rises and sets an hour later by the clock.
Frequently asked questions
What time exactly do the clocks change?
Clocks go forward at 01:00 GMT, which becomes 02:00 BST, in spring. They go back at 02:00 BST, which becomes 01:00 GMT, in autumn.
Do the clocks change at the same time across the UK?
Yes. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all change at the same moment.
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.