Clocks go back on October 25 as British Summer Time ends

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 09:02 · Archive

British Summer Time ends on Sunday, October 25, 2026, when clocks go back one hour at 2am.

British Summer Time ends in the early hours of Sunday, October 25, 2026, when clocks go back one hour at 2am, returning the UK to Greenwich Mean Time. At that moment, 2am will become 1am, giving people an extra hour overnight. Most smartphones, computers and other internet-connected devices will update automatically, though traditional clocks, watches and some household appliances will need to be adjusted manually.

The change marks the start of darker evenings across the UK. In London, sunset on October 25 is expected at approximately 4.45pm, compared with around 5.47pm on October 24. The earlier sunsets will continue as the UK approaches the shortest day of the year in December.

British Summer Time was first introduced in 1916 during the First World War as a way of making better use of daylight during the summer months. The UK changes its clocks twice a year, moving forward in March and back in October. During the Second World War, British Double Summertime was briefly introduced from 1939 to 1945 to increase productivity, and Harold Wilson's government later trialled British Standard Time from 1968 to 1971.

Clocks go back on October 25 as British Summer Time ends — Image: This Is Local London

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How it is being reported

The clocks go back this Sunday – everything you need to knowThe clocks go back on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 2am, giving Londoners an extra hour in bed. Find out when British Summer Time ends and clocks change again.This Is Local London · 24 Oct, 08:00
Exact date clocks go back this month as end of British Summer Time comes earlier this yearThe change will mark the end of British Summer Time and the return to Greenwich Mean TimeMyLondon · 22 Oct, 15:11

In this story: UK · London · Greenwich

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