When Do the Clocks Change in the UK?
The clocks go forward on the last Sunday in March and back on the last Sunday in October. Next: clocks go back on Sunday, 25 October 2026.
| Year | Clocks go forward (+1 hour, 1am to 2am) | Clocks go back (−1 hour, 2am to 1am) |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday, 29 March 2026 | Sunday, 25 October 2026 |
| 2027 | Sunday, 28 March 2027 | Sunday, 31 October 2027 |
| 2028 | Sunday, 26 March 2028 | Sunday, 29 October 2028 |
| 2029 | Sunday, 25 March 2029 | Sunday, 28 October 2029 |
| 2030 | Sunday, 31 March 2030 | Sunday, 27 October 2030 |
How it works
From the last Sunday in March until the last Sunday in October the UK is on British Summer Time (BST), one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). At 1am GMT in spring the clocks jump to 2am. In autumn, at 2am BST they go back to 1am.
Phones, computers and most smart devices change automatically. Cookers, car clocks, wall clocks and some watches usually need changing by hand.
These dates follow the standard rule rather than a list from the Government, so they remain correct unless the law changes. See also our bank holidays page.
Frequently asked questions
When do the clocks go back in 2026?
The clocks go back one hour at 2am on Sunday, 25 October 2026, so it becomes 1am. You get an extra hour in bed.
When do the clocks go forward in 2027?
The clocks go forward one hour at 1am on Sunday, 28 March 2027, so it becomes 2am. You lose an hour of sleep.
What is the rule for clock changes in the UK?
Clocks go forward one hour on the last Sunday of March and back one hour on the last Sunday of October.
What is British Summer Time?
British Summer Time (BST) is the period from the end of March to the end of October when UK clocks are one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).