The UK changes its clocks twice a year — forward in spring and back in autumn. The rule is simple: the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October. This guide explains when the changes happen, what time they occur, and dates for 2026 and 2027.
The rule — last Sunday in March and October
UK clock changes always happen on a Sunday to minimise disruption. In spring clocks go forward one hour at 1am — so 1am becomes 2am and you lose an hour of sleep. In autumn clocks go back one hour at 2am — so 2am becomes 1am and you gain an hour. A useful memory aid is “spring forward, fall back.”
UK clock change dates 2026 and 2027
| Year | Clocks go forward | Clocks go back |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday 29 March 2026 at 1am | Sunday 25 October 2026 at 2am |
| 2027 | Sunday 28 March 2027 at 1am | Sunday 31 October 2027 at 2am |
Why do the clocks change?
The UK has observed Daylight Saving Time since 1916, originally introduced to save energy during World War One. The current system is governed by the Summer Time Act 1972. By moving clocks forward in spring the UK shifts an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening, giving longer usable evenings during summer. Scotland has historically been most affected — without BST midsummer sunrise in northern Scotland would be as early as 3:30am.
Do all UK nations change at the same time?
Yes. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all change their clocks at exactly the same time. The Republic of Ireland also changes its clocks on the same dates as the UK. The Channel Islands and Isle of Man follow the same schedule too. The only part of the British Isles that does not change is none — all territories follow the same pattern.
See also
See our UK clocks change 2026 countdown for a live timer to the autumn change, read our GMT vs BST guide for a full explanation of UK time zones, or check our UK bank holidays 2026 list. And our When do the clocks change in 2026?