Europe to transition to winter time in October 2026

European countries, including Germany, France, and Belgium, are scheduled to transition to winter time during the night of Saturday, October 24, to Sunday, October 25, 2026. At 3:00 AM, clocks will be set back one hour to 2:00 AM, providing an extra hour of sleep.

This seasonal adjustment follows European Union regulations established to harmonize time across member states. While the European Parliament voted to abolish the biannual clock change in 2019, the reform remains stalled, and the current system continues to be practiced.

The practice of daylight saving time was originally introduced to optimize natural light and reduce energy consumption, a measure that gained traction in Europe following the 1973 oil crisis. Discussions continue regarding the potential benefits or drawbacks of permanently adopting either summer or winter time, involving considerations for energy use, public health, and social routines.