Europe's clocks spring forward this Sunday—here's what changes
The clocks will move forward across most of Europe on Sunday, March 29, 2026. Countries like Germany, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland will follow EU rules by switching to summer time at the same moment. Portugal will also adjust its clocks in line with the rest of the bloc, though Ukraine no longer takes part after ending the practice last year.
The change will happen at 1:00 a.m. in mainland Portugal and Madeira, where clocks will jump to 2:00 a.m. In the Azores, the shift occurs at midnight, moving directly to 1:00 a.m. This adjustment follows a long-standing EU regulation from 1996, which sets the last Sunday in March as the start of daylight saving time.
The main purpose of the time change is to make better use of daylight during longer summer evenings. Supporters argue it helps boost Vitamin D levels by encouraging more outdoor activity. However, the shift can disrupt sleep patterns, as people lose an hour overnight. Experts suggest preparing in advance to reduce the impact on rest.
Not all devices will update automatically. Older radios, some cars, and certain household appliances may need manual adjustments. After the change, sunset will gradually occur later, currently happening just before 6:00 p.m. The clocks will then stay in summer time until the last Sunday in October, when they return to standard time.
The switch to daylight saving time will align schedules across most EU countries, excluding Ukraine. While the change aims to maximise daylight, it also brings practical challenges. Residents are advised to check their devices and adjust their routines to cope with the lost hour of sleep.
