The clocks go back to mark the end of daylight saving time, moving from daylight saving time (DST) or BST back to standard time (GMT in the UK). This typically happens in late October to give us greater standard time in the morning as winter days are shorter. What it means and why it’s done
- Purpose: DST shifts aim to make better use of natural daylight in the evenings during the warmer months and revert to standard time in autumn/winter to align daylight with the earlier sunrise and sunset typical of those seasons. This can help with energy use, outdoor activity scheduling, and safety during darker mornings, though opinions on the overall benefits vary.
- When: In the UK, clocks commonly revert on the last Sunday in October, typically at 2:00 a.m. local time, which becomes 1:00 a.m. standard time. This returns the region to GMT. The exact date can vary year to year.
- Global note: Different countries use different DST schedules, and some regions no longer observe DST at all. For example, many European countries adjust twice a year, while others have stopped changing clocks or use different time zones altogether.
Common questions
- Do we keep BST all year? If a region were to abolish DST, it would stay on one standard time year-round, effectively removing the annual clock change. Various proposals and debates exist about this, with arguments on energy use, health, and daily life.
- How to adjust devices: Most modern devices update automatically, but some clocks and appliances may require manual adjustment. It’s a common reminder to check devices that don’t automatically reset.
If you’d like, I can provide the exact date and time of the upcoming clock change for your specific country or region this year.
