Date clocks go back in October - why clocks change on a weekend and if your clocks will update automatically

Clock changes explained including why the clocks change on a weekend and when the clocks will go back in October.

This month the clocks will jump back an hour, meaning we’ll get an extra hour in bed.

Here’s all you need to know about the upcoming clocks change, including the date the clocks will go back and whether your clocks will update automatically.

Why the clocks change

Daylight saving time is used to make the most of increased summer daylight hours in the northern hemisphere. The clocks go forward in spring, giving an extra hour of daylight in the evening. In autumn, the clocks go back, providing an extra hour of daylight in the morning.

The UK introduced daylight saving time in 1916, with arguments for changing the clocks including reducing energy consumption, having longer evenings to support leisure and tourism, encouraging people to exercise outdoors more and reducing road accidents.

Why the clocks change on a weekend

The clocks always go back on a Saturday night/Sunday morning as it was decided this would be less disruptive to schools and businesses.

Clocks changes in other countries

According to Royal Museums Greenwich, about 70 countries have a form of daylight saving time. Much of Europe and North America and parts of South America and Australasia change their clocks. Many countries in Africa and Asia located around the equator do not change the clocks.

Devices updating automatically

The majority of devices with an internet connection like smartphones and computers should update automatically. However, some watches and clocks will not change on their own.

When the clocks go back in 2026

This year, the clocks will go back on Sunday 25 October at 2.00am. The next clock change after this will be on Sunday 28 March 2027 when they’ll jump forward by one hour at 1.00am.