The UK clocks go back by one hour at 02:00 BST on Sunday 26th October 2025, marking the end of British Summer Time and a return to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). At 02:00 BST the clocks step back to 01:00 GMT, so rejoice as that means an “extra hour in bed” change on the last Sunday in October.
Do I gain or lose an hour?
- Spring forward, autumn fall back. BST starts on the last Sunday of March and ends on the last Sunday of October.
- So we gain an hour in bed in the October clock change.
What changes (and what doesn’t)
- Time change: 02:00 BST → 01:00 GMT on Sunday 26th Oct. Many phones, laptops and smartwatches update automatically if “Set automatically” or “Network time” is on.
- Manual clocks to check: ovens, microwaves, central-heating/boiler thermostat timers, bedside/alarm clocks, car dashboards, security/door-entry systems.
- Work & travel: if you’re on a night shift, the hour is repeated (check rota/pay policies). Early-morning transport runs to operators’ timetables, check your train/bus before you set off.
- Safety & comfort: it will get darker in the late afternoons from next week, check bike lights, car headlamps/brake lights, and consider hi-vis for evening commutes or the school run if walking on countryside lanes.
Checklist for Sunday
- Change any manual clocks you set by hand on Saturday night or first thing Sunday.
- Heating/boiler timers: If manual bring programmes back an hour so homes aren’t colder than expected Monday morning.
- Meetings & alarms: confirm calendars, international calls sometimes cause issues as even countries with daylight savings change on different days.
- Smoke & CO alarms: it’s a reminder to test and replace low batteries, because you should do this at least twice a year
- School/work prep: plan for darker late afternoons (after-school activities, pet walks, lighting).
Why do we change the clocks?
Britain has shifted its clocks for more than a century. Daylight Saving Time began in 1916, first in Germany during wartime to save fuel, then in the UK as British Summer Time (BST). During the Second World War we even tried British Double Summer Time (two hours forward).
Between 1968 and 1971 the UK trialled year-round BST with no winter change, and debate continues about a permanent change. Supporters cite brighter evenings, potential gains in economic activity and fewer evening road collisions; opponents point to darker winter mornings, especially in Scotland, which could mean school commutes in darkness.
How fast is daylight changing this week?
We’re losing about 4–5 minutes of daylight per day at the moment. The clock change isn’t subtle: sunset jumps an hour earlier in one go on Sunday as we move from BST to GMT.
Will my clock change automatically?
Most smartphones, laptops and many modern cars update themselves if automatic time settings are on. Analogue clocks (and plenty of appliances) won’t. Common culprits: ovens, microwaves, boiler/heating timers, bedside alarms, security and door-entry systems.
Do other countries change at the same time?
No. Many parts of Europe and North America observe Daylight Saving Time, but dates vary. For example, the US switches in early November, while some countries in Africa, Asia and South America don’t change at all. If you’re making international calls next week, double-check time zones.
When is the shortest day?
The winter solstice falls on Sunday 21 December 2025. It marks the year’s shortest daylight period in the UK (daylight length depends on location).
At a glance
- When: Sunday 26 October 2025, 02:00 BST → 01:00 GMT.
- Next change: clocks go forward on Sunday 29 March 2026 (start of BST).
- Remember: phones usually auto-update; appliances and cars often don’t.
Quick FAQ
Do we really get an extra hour?
Yes. When 01:59:59 BST is reached, the time resets to 01:00 GMT, giving a repeated hour.
Why does it happen at 2 am?
UK law schedules the change at 01:00 UTC (02:00 local during BST). Overnight timing minimises disruption to transport, TV schedules and daily routines.
Will my phone alarm fire twice?
Most modern phones handle the change, but to be safe avoid one-off alarms between 01:00 and 02:00 on change night; set alarms for after 02:05 or use recurring alarms.
