British Summer Time (BST) is back, which means the clocks are about to spring forward by one hour. But when exactly does the change happen in the UK in 2025 – and what’s the point of shifting the time around twice a year?
When do the clocks change in 2025?
In the UK, the clocks will jump forward one hour at 1:00am on Sunday 30 March 2025, meaning the official time instantly becomes 2:00am.
The upshot? Lighter evenings from now on – sunset in London will shift from around 6:29pm on Saturday to 7:30pm on Sunday.
We last adjusted the clocks in the other direction on 27 October 2024, when we gained an extra hour in bed. No such luck this time – your Sunday lie-in is about to get trimmed.
British Summer Time will remain in place until Sunday 26 October 2025, when we switch back to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Smartphones, tablets, computers and even many newer cars and household gadgets will now automatically update themselves – so it’s less fiddly than it used to be. That said, you might still need to twist the dial on that trusty oven or wall clock.
Do the clocks go forward or back in March?
In March, the clocks go forward – we lose an hour of sleep but gain longer evenings.
In October, the clocks go back, giving us a bonus hour in bed and signalling the return to shorter days. The phrase “spring forward, fall back” is a handy way to remember it.
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Why do the clocks go forward?
While the logic might not be rooted in science, there is a practical aim behind daylight saving time: to make better use of daylight during the summer months.
By shifting the clocks forward, we squeeze in more usable daylight into the evenings – ideal for after-work strolls, evening sport or simply avoiding the feeling that the day ends at 5:00pm.
It’s worth noting that the same system is used in parts of the southern hemisphere too – just flipped around to suit their summer season.
Where did daylight saving time come from?
The idea is often (incorrectly) attributed to Benjamin Franklin, who once remarked that people could save candles by having more daylight hours. Amusing as the thought is, Franklin had nothing to do with the actual system of changing the clocks.
The credit usually goes to George Hudson, an insect enthusiast from New Zealand who, in 1895, proposed shifting the clock to allow for more daylight in the evenings – presumably to maximise bug-hunting hours.
Daylight saving time was first officially introduced by Germany in 1916, during the First World War. The UK followed suit just weeks later, along with several other countries involved in the conflict.
Why do some people want to stop changing the clocks?
Critics argue that daylight saving time causes more harm than good. Studies have linked the springtime clock change to an increase in heart attacks, sleep deprivation (especially among teenagers) and disruption to daily routines.
And while longer evenings might feel like a bonus, they come at the cost of darker mornings – something our bodies don’t particularly love. Morning sunlight plays an important role in setting our internal clocks and boosting alertness and mood. Losing that light can take a toll, particularly for those already prone to seasonal affective disorder.
With more flexible working patterns and 24-hour lifestyles, some argue that DST (daylight saving time) simply isn’t as relevant as it once was.
Do all countries follow daylight saving time?
Not even close. Of the world’s 195 countries, only around 70 observe daylight saving – and many of those are reconsidering it.
Nations near the equator generally skip it altogether since they get roughly the same amount of daylight all year round. Major countries like Japan, India, and China stick to the same time without any clock changes.
Even within countries, it can vary. For example, parts of Australia observe daylight saving, while others do not.
In Europe, things have been in flux too. The European Parliament voted in 2019 to scrap the twice-yearly clock change, suggesting that countries should pick either permanent summertime or wintertime.
But that plan has stalled, and no final decision has been enforced – so for now, European nations continue to move their clocks in sync with the UK.
And if you’re wondering who does it the weirdest, look no further than Antarctica’s Troll research station, which alternates between GMT and Central European Summer Time – a two-hour jump, despite having no sunrise or sunset for weeks at a time.
How to cope with the clock change
Losing an hour may not sound like much, but it can throw your body clock out of sync – especially if you’re already sleep-deprived.
To soften the blow, try adjusting your bedtime slightly in the days leading up to the change. Going to bed 15 minutes earlier each night can help ease the transition.
Getting outside early in the morning for some natural light – even just a short walk – can also help reset your internal rhythm and boost alertness.
And if you have young children or pets, brace yourself: their routines don’t always adjust as smoothly as your smartphone does.
Want to know more? Have a look at our four expert tips on how to minimise the health impacts of the switch to Daylight Savings.
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