The clocks in the UK will change on Sunday, October 26, 2025.

At 2:00 AM, the clocks will be set back by one hour, marking the end of British Summer Time (BST) and the return to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Why Do the Clocks Change?

The practice of changing the clocks is known as Daylight Saving Time (DST) and was first implemented in the UK in 1916 to make better use of daylight during the longer days of summer.

The clocks are set forward in March and back in October to maximise evening daylight.

Automatic Adjustments

Most modern devices, such as smartphones and computers, will automatically adjust the time. However, traditional clocks and watches will need to be changed manually.

Historical Context

The idea was popularised by William Willett in 1907, aiming to reduce energy consumption. Willett was a British builder who proposed the idea of Daylight Saving Time in 1907 to make better use of daylight during the summer months. His campaign led to the introduction of British Summer Time in 1916, shortly after his death. The practice was adopted during World War I in order to conserve fuel.

Around the World

Many countries around the world also observe DST, but the specific dates for changing clocks can vary. In the USA, for example, the clocks change on the first Sunday of November.