About The Autumn Clock Change
The clocks go back one hour at 2am on the last Sunday of October in the UK — in 2026, that's Sunday 25 October, when 2am becomes 1am. This marks the end of British Summer Time (BST) and the return to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). You gain an hour in bed, mornings get briefly lighter, and sunset arrives an hour earlier — the classic signal that winter is on the way.
Which way do the clocks change?
The mnemonic is "spring forward, fall back": clocks go forward in spring (losing an hour) and back in autumn (gaining one). Phones, computers and smart devices update themselves automatically; oven clocks, car dashboards and analogue watches still need doing by hand.
Why do the clocks change at all?
British Summer Time was introduced by the Summer Time Act 1916, during the First World War, to save coal by making better use of evening daylight — an idea campaigned for by the builder William Willett (a great-great-grandfather of Coldplay's Chris Martin). Britain even trialled year-round BST between 1968 and 1971, but abandoned it after complaints about dark winter mornings, particularly in Scotland. Periodic proposals to scrap the change have never passed.
Does the whole world do this?
No — fewer than 40% of countries change their clocks. The EU changes on the same weekend as the UK; the United States changes on different dates (the first Sunday of November and the second Sunday of March), which is why the UK–US time difference shifts for a couple of weeks each spring and autumn.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days until The Autumn Clock Change?
There are 97 days until The Autumn Clock Change on 25 October 2026.
What day of the week is The Autumn Clock Change?
The Autumn Clock Change falls on a Sunday in 2026.
How many weeks until The Autumn Clock Change?
Approximately 14 weeks until The Autumn Clock Change.
How many months until The Autumn Clock Change?
Approximately 3.2 months until The Autumn Clock Change.
How many hours until The Autumn Clock Change?
Approximately 2,328 hours until The Autumn Clock Change.