When do the clocks change?
Twice a year we change the clocks by one hour. Find out when, and why.
Next clock change
Times shown for the UK (London), Europe (Paris), the eastern USA (New York), Sydney and Auckland. Some places in the same country may differ.
Spring forward
In spring, the clocks go forward 1 hour. We lose an hour of sleep, but evenings are lighter.
1:00 am → 2:00 am (UK)
Fall back
In autumn (fall), the clocks go back 1 hour. We get an extra hour in bed, and mornings are lighter.
2:00 am → 1:00 am (UK)
Watch the clock jump
Press a button to see what happens at night when the clocks change (UK times).
12:55 am
Press a button to start.
Dates for the next few years
Choose a year.
| Place | Clocks go forward | Clocks go back |
|---|
Forward = start of daylight saving time. Back = return to standard time. Dates are worked out from each place's current rule.
Why do we change the clocks?
More light in the evening
In summer, the Sun rises very early. Moving the clocks forward shifts an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening.
Standard time in winter
In winter, the clocks go back to standard time (GMT in the UK), so the mornings are lighter for the journey to school.
It depends where you are
Near the equator the days are almost the same length all year, so most countries there do not change. Read about it in seasons.
Who doesn't change their clocks?
- • USA: Hawaii and most of Arizona stay on standard time all year.
- • Australia: Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia do not change.
- • Near the equator: for example Kenya, Singapore and Colombia.
- • Many other countries, including Japan, India and China.
Feeling sleepy?
- • In spring, you may feel tired for a few days. That is normal.
- • Try going to bed 10 to 15 minutes earlier for a few nights before the change.
- • Get lots of daylight in the morning to help your body clock.
Change your clocks
- • Phones and computers change by themselves.
- • Wall clocks, ovens, watches and car clocks may need changing by hand.
- • Tip: change them on Saturday evening, before bed.
Clocks change quiz
1 / 6For teachers and parents
- • Maths link: adding and taking away one hour, and how it changes the length of a day (23 or 25 hours). See elapsed time and the 24-hour clock.
- • Class activity: use the clock demo on the board. Ask "What time will it say after 1:59?" and "How long was the night?"
- • Geography link: compare with time zones and the seasons.
- • Check dates: rules can change and some regions differ. Please check your local government's announcement for official dates.
Questions
When do the clocks change in the UK?
In the UK, the clocks go forward 1 hour on the last Sunday in March (at 1:00 am, GMT becomes BST) and back 1 hour on the last Sunday in October (at 2:00 am, BST becomes GMT).
When do the clocks change in the USA?
In most of the USA, the clocks go forward 1 hour on the second Sunday in March at 2:00 am and back 1 hour on the first Sunday in November at 2:00 am.
Do the clocks go forward or back in spring?
Forward. The saying is "spring forward, fall back". In spring the clocks go forward 1 hour, so we lose an hour of sleep. In autumn they go back 1 hour.
Why do the clocks change?
Daylight saving time moves one hour of daylight from the morning to the evening during the summer months, so there is more light after school and work. In winter the clocks go back so mornings are lighter.
Which places do not change their clocks?
Many countries near the equator do not change clocks. In the USA, Hawaii and most of Arizona stay on standard time. In Australia, Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia do not change.
Do the clocks change at the same time in the northern and southern hemisphere?
No. The seasons are opposite, so the southern hemisphere changes at different times. Australia and New Zealand put their clocks forward in spring (September or October) and back in autumn (April).