When Do the Clocks Go Forward – 2026 UK Dates & Guide

Every year, millions of people in the UK ask the same question: when do the clocks go forward? The answer marks the start of British Summer Time (BST), a period of longer daylight hours that lasts until the autumn. For 2026, the dates are now known, and they follow a long-standing rule set out in UK law.

Understanding the exact moment the clocks change, and why the shift happens at specific times, helps avoid confusion. Whether you rely on a smartphone alarm or an old analogue clock in the kitchen, knowing when to spring forward or fall back keeps daily life running smoothly.

This article provides the confirmed 2026 dates, explains the reasoning behind the 1am and 2am switch times, and addresses common questions about the clock change process. All information is drawn from official government sources and established historical records.

When Do the Clocks Go Forward in the UK?

The UK clocks go forward at 1am on the last Sunday of March each year. In 2026, that falls on Sunday 29 March 2026, according to the UK government and the Royal Museums Greenwich. At that moment, the country moves from Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) to British Summer Time (BST), effectively losing one hour of sleep but gaining an extra hour of evening daylight.

Key Insights on the 2026 Clock Change

• UK clocks go forward on the last Sunday of March at 1am GMT.
• UK clocks go back on the last Sunday of October at 2am BST.
• The 2026 forward date is 29 March; the back date is 25 October.
• Most connected devices update automatically; manual clocks need adjustment.
• The 1am / 2am switch times are historic to minimise disruption.

2026 Clock Change Dates at a Glance

When Do the Clocks Go Back in October?

The clocks go back on the last Sunday of October, ending British Summer Time and returning the UK to Greenwich Mean Time. In 2026, this occurs on Sunday 25 October 2026 at 2am. At that moment, clocks are set back to 1am GMT, giving everyone an extra hour in bed. The change is confirmed by multiple authoritative sources, including Royal Museums Greenwich and the UK government.

A common point of confusion is the direction of the change in October. The rule is simple: forward in spring, back in autumn. So when someone asks “Do the clocks go forward or back in October?”, the answer is always back.

Why Do the Clocks Change at 1am (and 2am)?

Why the Clocks Go Forward at 1am

The decision to change clocks at 1am in March was made to minimise disruption. At that time, most people are asleep, and the change avoids affecting the early morning routines of shift workers and public transport. It also prevents the clock change from occurring on a different date for those who work late into the night.

Why the Clocks Go Back at 2am

The October change at 2am is similarly designed to avoid interference with railway timetables and overnight services. According to historical records from the National Physical Laboratory, 2am was chosen as a low-activity period when very few passenger trains were running. This made it the least disruptive moment to shift the time.

The History of British Summer Time

British Summer Time was first introduced in 1916, following the Summer Time Act of that year. The primary goal was to save fuel and extend usable daylight hours during World War I. The concept was not unique to the UK; Germany and Austria had implemented it weeks earlier. Over time, the practice became permanent, and the current dates were fixed by the Summer Time Act 1972, which stipulates the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October as the change dates.

What Is the Exact Time Change Tonight?

For those asking “Do the clocks go forward tonight?” or “What time do the clocks change tonight?”, the answer depends on the date. If it is the last Saturday of March, the change happens at 1am on the following Sunday morning. If it is the last Saturday of October, the change happens at 2am on Sunday. On the night of Saturday 28 March 2026, clocks spring forward from 1am to 2am. On the night of Saturday 24 October 2026, clocks fall back from 2am to 1am.

Timeline of Recent and Upcoming Clock Changes

For those tracking the pattern, here is a chronological list of recent and upcoming clock change dates (2024–2027). The rule is consistent: forward on the last Sunday of March, back on the last Sunday of October.

1. 31 March 2024 – Clocks forward
2. 27 October 2024 – Clocks back
3. 30 March 2025 – Clocks forward
4. 26 October 2025 – Clocks back
5. 29 March 2026 – Clocks forward
6. 25 October 2026 – Clocks back
7. 28 March 2027 – Clocks forward

What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear About UK Clock Changes?

How Does the UK Clock Change Fit Into a Broader Context?

The system of British Summer Time is not unique; many countries around the world observe daylight saving time, but the rules vary. The United States, for example, begins its daylight saving time on the second Sunday of March and ends it on the first Sunday of November, creating a short period each year where the time difference between the UK and parts of the US shifts. The UK’s choice of 1am and 2am, as noted, was historically influenced by the railway industry, which needed a quiet window to adjust timetables without affecting passenger services.

The concept itself dates back to proposals by builder William Willett in 1907, who argued that wasting daylight hours was inefficient. While his campaign initially failed, the idea was adopted during the First World War as a fuel-saving measure. Today, the Royal Museums Greenwich continues to document this story, noting that the practice has persisted for over a century.

Sources and Official Statements

“In the UK the clocks go forward 1 hour at 1am on the last Sunday in March…”

GOV.UK – When do the clocks change?

“The clocks went forward on Sunday marking a big step towards warmer months and longer days.”

BBC Weather – When and why do the clocks go forward?

Summary: What You Need to Remember for 2026

The UK clocks go forward on Sunday 29 March 2026 at 1am, and go back on Sunday 25 October 2026 at 2am. These dates are fixed by law and will not change. For more detail on the history and rules, see our guide on British Summer Time (BST) explained.

Frequently Asked Questions

For more practical advice, see our guide on How to manually adjust your analogue clock.