Twice a year, millions of people across the world adjust their clocks as part of Daylight Saving Time (DST). While clocks going back in autumn is often welcomed for the extra hour of sleep, clocks going forward in spring means losing an hour. If you are planning ahead for 2026, here is a comprehensive guide to when the clocks go forward, which countries are affected, and what you should be prepared for.
When Do the Clocks Go Forward in 2026?
United Kingdom and Ireland
In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the clocks go forward on the last Sunday of March. In 2026, this falls on Sunday, 29 March 2026. At 1:00 AM Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), clocks move forward one hour to 2:00 AM British Summer Time (BST). This effectively shifts an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening, giving people longer light evenings throughout spring and summer.
This change is observed across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, as well as the Republic of Ireland, which follows the same schedule under Western European Summer Time (WEST).
United States and Canada
In the United States and Canada, Daylight Saving Time begins earlier than in Europe — on the second Sunday of March. In 2026, that date is Sunday, 8 March 2026. At 2:00 AM local time, clocks spring forward to 3:00 AM.
It is worth noting that not all US states observe DST. Arizona (with the exception of the Navajo Nation) and Hawaii do not participate. In Canada, most provinces follow DST, though Saskatchewan and parts of British Columbia are exceptions.
European Union Countries
European Union member states follow the same schedule as the UK — the last Sunday of March. In 2026, clocks go forward across continental Europe on 29 March 2026 at 2:00 AM local time, moving to 3:00 AM Central European Summer Time (CEST) or the equivalent in other time zones.
It should be noted that the EU has been debating the abolition of the biannual clock change for several years. As of the time of writing, however, no definitive EU-wide policy change has been implemented, and the practice continues.
Why Do Clocks Go Forward?
The History of Daylight Saving Time
Daylight Saving Time was first widely adopted during World War One as a way to conserve fuel by making better use of natural daylight. The idea is commonly attributed to Benjamin Franklin, who wrote a satirical essay on the subject in 1784, though the concept was formally proposed by New Zealand entomologist George Vernon Hudson in 1895.
Modern DST was introduced in Germany and Austria-Hungary in 1916, with the UK following shortly after. Over time, the practice spread across much of the world, though its adoption has never been truly universal.
The Rationale Behind the Spring Change
The core purpose of moving clocks forward in spring is to align waking hours more closely with daylight hours. By shifting the clock forward, the sun sets later in the evening, which can benefit retail, outdoor leisure, and tourism industries. Energy savings were historically a key justification, though contemporary research on this benefit has produced mixed results.
How to Prepare for the Clock Change in 2026
Adjusting Your Routine
Losing an hour of sleep when clocks go forward can affect sleep patterns, concentration, and overall wellbeing for several days. Sleep experts recommend gradually adjusting your bedtime in the days leading up to the change — going to bed 15 to 20 minutes earlier each night can help ease the transition.
Updating Devices and Schedules
Most smartphones, computers, and smart home devices update automatically when Daylight Saving Time begins. However, older devices such as standalone alarm clocks, microwaves, and car dashboards typically need to be updated manually. It is also advisable to double-check any scheduled appointments or travel plans that cross the time zones affected by the change, as times can shift unexpectedly.
Businesses and Organisations
For businesses operating across different time zones — particularly those with teams in both the US and UK — the gap between the two clock-change dates (8 March and 29 March 2026) means there is a three-week window during which the time difference between the two regions is temporarily altered. Planning ahead for meetings and deadlines during this period can help avoid confusion.
Key Dates Summary for 2026
To recap the essential dates for when clocks go forward in 2026:
- United States and Canada: Sunday, 8 March 2026 at 2:00 AM
- United Kingdom, Ireland, and EU: Sunday, 29 March 2026 at 1:00 AM (UK/Ireland) or 2:00 AM (EU)
Being aware of these dates in advance allows individuals, families, and organisations to plan accordingly and minimise disruption to daily routines.
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