When do clocks go forward 2026: What day we lose an hour of sleep
The clocks will soon be springing forward meaning we’ll lose an hour of sleep - but it does mean the sun will set an hour later in the evening too.
Spring forward, fall back: The UK is gearing up to welcome summer time and enjoy longer hours of sunshine - but sacrifice an hour of sleep.
While weather experts are not yet forecasting long, hot days, one thing we can expect is more daylight hours during spring and summer. And to ensure we see more daylight in the coming months, the clocks are going forward for spring - with sunset coming after 8pm.
Here's everything you need to know about the arrival of British Summer Time...
When do clocks go forward 2026?
People will need to push their clocks forward - and tackle the complicated oven and microwave settings - on Sunday, March 29.
What time do clocks go forward?
If we're being precise, people should be standing by their clocks at 1am that morning - and changing the dial to say 2am, which is exactly when we all lose that beloved hour of sleep.
Clocks in cars, on appliances and more can be complicated to change for technophobes, but help is at hand, as many now change themselves when required. Phones, computers, smart TVs, modern cars, may well update themselves – so make sure you have one clock you know is correct which you can then compare your device with.
After the clocks go forward, one immediately obvious consequence of is that sunset is an hour later. On March 29, here is when the sun will go down.
Sunset times for March 29, 2026:
- London: 7.28pm
- Birmingham: 7.36pm
- Manchester: 7.38pm
- Cardiff: 7.40pm
- Edinburgh: 7.44pm
- Glasgow: 7.48pm
- Belfast: 7.54pm
Sunset is set to hit 8pm, meaning you can enjoy much of your evening out in the light, from around the early days of April. In Birmingham, for example, this is set for April 12, while London will have to wait until April 17.
When do clocks go back?
It may be a bit depressing to consider right now, but the UK will return to winter timings on October 25 - but you will get an extra hour in bed then, so, something to look forward to.