when do uk clocks change

The UK clocks change twice a year: they go forward on the last Sunday in March and back on the last Sunday in October each year.

Quick Scoop

• In spring, the UK moves from GMT to British Summer Time (BST) by moving clocks forward 1 hour at 1am, which becomes 2am.

• In autumn, the UK moves from BST back to GMT by moving clocks back 1 hour at 2am, which becomes 1am.

• The pattern is fixed: last Sunday in March (forward) and last Sunday in October (back).

For 2026 specifically:

• Clocks go forward on Sunday 29 March 2026 at 1am (to 2am).

• Clocks go back on Sunday 25 October 2026 at 2am (to 1am).

A handy way people remember it on forums and in everyday chat:
“Clocks spring forward, and fall back.”

Why this keeps trending

Every year in the UK, the “when do UK clocks change” question spikes a week or two before the switch, especially as people plan travel, work shifts, and sleep schedules. It’s also tied to seasonal mood: the March change brings lighter evenings that feel like the start of “real” spring, while the October change brings darker afternoons that many associate with winter drawing in.

TL;DR:

• Last Sunday in March: clocks go forward 1 hour (into BST).

• Last Sunday in October: clocks go back 1 hour (into GMT).

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.