When do the clocks change UK? Here's the exact time clocks go forward and British Summer Time begins in 2026
The final Sunday in March will mark the beginning of British Summer Time.
As the days stretch on and the sun remains high in the sky for longer, it is almost time for the the clocks to change in the UK.
At the end of March the clocks will “spring forward” to mark the beginning of British Summer Time (BST)- or daylight savings - as we finally bid winter farewell and herald the arrival of spring - officially.
Astronomical spring begins with the spring equinox, which will take place at 2.46pm on Friday, March 20. Meanwhile, meteorological spring - the most commonly acknowledged indicator - begins on March 21.
When do the clocks change in the UK? Here’s the exact time
In 2026, the clocks will go forward by an hour at 1am on Sunday, March 29.
However, this does mean that many people around the UK will lose an hour of sleep as a result, so it may be worth going to bed a bit early the night before.
What if I’m working when the clocks go forward?
If you’re scheduled to be working the night shift when the clocks go forward, it might mean you get away an hour early. However, it is always best to check in with your employer and contract if you are unsure.
Will my clock update automatically?
If you possess a smartphone, computer or any other device with an internet connection, your clock should update automatically.
If your aren’t sure whether your device will update, head over to your settings and ensure they are set to automatic.
Why do the clocks change?
While it is the way things have been done for more than a century now, changing clocks wasn’t always the norm in the UK.
Instead, it was introduced after a campaign at the beginning of the 20th century. While it had been discussed in various countries around the world and even joked about, it wasn’t until 1907 when William Willet argued that the UK should move the clocks forward in spring, and then back in autumn.
While Willet was an early supporter of British Summer Time (and also the great-great-grandfather of Coldplay’s Chris Martin), his campaign was unsuccessful and it wasn’t until a year after his death in 1915 that Parliament established the practice of changing the clocks.
While the timing does appear to be slightly suspect, Daylight Savings Time was initially brought into force in Britain during World War One as many European countries decided to follow in the footsteps of the German Army, who would push the clocks forward an hour to conserve energy.
To this day, it is argued that the clocks should be changed so that we have more hours of sunlight during spring and summer, despite there being little scientific evidence of its benefits. In fact, many oppose the clocks changing based on its disruption to nature.
Make sure you don't miss a moment of breaking news from across Scotland by signing up to our free newsletter here.
Are there other countries which change their clocks?
The UK is far from alone in this practice, with all European Union member states also changing their clocks twice a year.
Other countries to do so include New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Paraguay, Cuba and Haiti, with the majority of the United States also observing daylight savings hours.
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.