Clocks are turned forward in spring for the start of daylight saving time, usually by 1 hour at 2:00 a.m. local time, on a Sunday in March in many countries.

When are clocks turned forward?

  • In the United States and Canada, clocks spring forward on the second Sunday in March at 2:00 a.m., jumping to 3:00 a.m.
  • In most of Europe (including countries on Central European Time), clocks go forward on the last Sunday in March at 2:00 a.m., jumping to 3:00 a.m.
  • The change marks the start of daylight saving time or “summer time,” giving more light in the evening and less in the early morning.

Example for 2026

  • United States/Canada: clocks went forward on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 2:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.
  • Much of Europe: clocks go forward on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 2:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.

Simple way to remember

  • “Spring forward , fall back”:
    • Spring (around March): clocks move forward 1 hour.
    • Fall/Autumn (around October or November): clocks move back 1 hour.

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