Clock change countdown
Days until the clocks go back
When the clocks go back
In the UK and Europe the clocks go back on the last Sunday in October, when summer time ends. In the UK, 2:00 am British Summer Time becomes 1:00 am Greenwich Mean Time, so that night is an hour longer. In the United States and most of Canada, daylight saving time ends on the first Sunday in November, also at 2:00 am local time.
Sunrise and sunset move an hour earlier the next day, so evenings get darker sooner. Check manual clocks, car dashboards and ovens, as phones and computers usually update themselves.
If you work nights, a shift that runs across the change is an hour longer in autumn, so check with your employer how it is paid. The shift planner can help you lay out the week.
Dates for 2026 to 2030
| Year | UK & Europe | US & Canada |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday 25 October 2026 | Sunday 1 November 2026 |
| 2027 | Sunday 31 October 2027 | Sunday 7 November 2027 |
| 2028 | Sunday 29 October 2028 | Sunday 5 November 2028 |
| 2029 | Sunday 28 October 2029 | Sunday 4 November 2029 |
| 2030 | Sunday 27 October 2030 | Sunday 3 November 2030 |
Frequently asked questions
When do the clocks go back in 2027?
In 2027 the dates are: UK & Europe: Sunday 31 October 2027; US & Canada: Sunday 7 November 2027. The full list for 2026 to 2030 is in the table on this page.
How many days until the clocks go back?
The live counter at the top of this page shows the days, hours, minutes and seconds left, using the time on your device.
Do the clocks go back or forward in October?
Back. In autumn the clocks go back an hour and in spring they go forward an hour. A simple way to remember it is spring forward, fall back.
Do I get an extra hour in bed when the clocks go back?
Yes. On the night of the change the extra hour means you gain an hour, as 2:00 am becomes 1:00 am in the UK.
Why do the clocks change?
Daylight saving time was introduced to make better use of evening daylight in summer. The UK first adopted it in 1916, during the First World War, as British Summer Time.
More clock change dates
Also useful: holiday countdowns, the school holiday tracker and the free shift planner.