when do clocks go forward uk
The clocks in the UK go forward on the last Sunday in March each year, moving from 1am to 2am to start British Summer Time (BST).
For 2026 specifically, the clocks go forward on Sunday 29 March at 1am, when the time jumps to 2am.
Quick Scoop
- In the UK the clocks always go forward 1 hour at 1am on the last Sunday in March.
- This marks the start of British Summer Time (BST), meaning lighter evenings and darker early mornings.
- In 2026, that date is Sunday 29 March, when 1:00 becomes 2:00 and you lose one hour of sleep.
Why this is a trending topic
Every year in late winter, “when do clocks go forward UK” spikes in searches and forum chats as people plan school runs, commutes and weekend plans around the new lighter evenings. People often share the old phrase “spring forward, fall back” to remember which way the clocks move and swap tips on coping with the lost hour.
Mini FAQ
- Do all UK regions change at the same time?
Yes, the whole UK changes at 1am local time on the same date.
- Will my phone update automatically?
Most internet‑connected devices (phones, laptops, smart TVs) update on their own, but ovens, old clocks and some car dashboards usually need a manual change.
- What do we gain and lose?
You lose one hour of sleep that night but gain longer, brighter evenings for the spring and summer period.
| Year | When do clocks go forward UK? | When do clocks go back UK? |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Sunday 30 March, 1am → 2am (BST starts) | Sunday 26 October, 2am → 1am (GMT returns) |
| 2026 | Sunday 29 March, 1am → 2am (BST starts) | Sunday 25 October, 2am → 1am (GMT returns) |
| 2027 | Sunday 28 March, 1am → 2am (BST starts) | Sunday 31 October, 2am → 1am (GMT returns) |
Many forum posters say the real sign of “summer vibes” is the first evening when the sun sets after 8pm, which arrives a few weeks after the clocks change depending on where you live in the UK.
TL;DR: In the UK, the clocks go forward on the last Sunday in March at 1am; in 2026 that’s Sunday 29 March, when 1:00 becomes 2:00 and British Summer Time begins.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.