Why Do the Clocks Change in the UK?
The UK moves its clocks to make more use of daylight in the evening in spring and summer, and returns to GMT in winter.
The reason
In June the sun rises before 05:00 in London. Without a change most people would be asleep for those early hours of daylight. Moving the clocks forward by an hour moves that light to the evening.
Trade-offs
Supporters point to lighter evenings, outdoor leisure and some road-safety benefits. Critics point to darker winter mornings in the north, especially in Scotland, and to the disruption to sleep around the change.
Frequently asked questions
Do other countries change their clocks too?
Many do, including the EU countries and the United States, but on different dates. Many countries near the equator do not change them at all.
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.