# European transition to winter time

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/european-transition-to-winter-time
> Updated: 2026-10-25T06:45:50.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 2.

On October 25, 2026, several European nations transitioned from summer time to winter time by setting clocks back one hour. 

In Ireland, the shift occurred at 2:00 am, moving to 1:00 am across all major cities and towns. Officials noted that the resulting earlier sunsets and increased darkness could impact visibility for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

In Greece and Cyprus, the transition also took place on the last Sunday of October. Discussions surrounding the change highlighted potential impacts on human health, including fatigue, sleep disturbances, and decreased concentration. Some research suggests the reduction in daylight may contribute to seasonal affective disorder or a phenomenon described as ‘daylight saving scaries’.

## Claims

- Clocks in Greece and Cyprus were set back one hour on Sunday, October 25, 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The transition to winter time can cause fatigue, sleep disturbances, and decreased concentration. (single source)
- A Talker Research survey found 40% of 2,000 respondents experience 'daylight saving scaries'. (single source)
- Reduced daylight can lower serotonin levels in the brain. (single source)
- Benjamin Franklin proposed the idea of daylight saving in 1784. (single source)
- Germany first implemented daylight saving during World War I from April 30 to October 1, 1916. (single source)
- In 1881, Nicosia used a daily cannon shot from the Paphos Gate to synchronize time. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-25: Time Change: Transition to Winter Time in Greece and Cyprus

Greece and Cyprus have transitioned to winter time, setting clocks back one hour. While aligning with natural light, the change may impact sleep, mood, and productivity due to reduced daylight.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/time-change-transition-to-winter-time-in-greece-and-cyprus

### 2026-10-25: Ireland transitions to winter time as clocks go back

Ireland has transitioned to winter time as clocks moved back one hour overnight, resulting in earlier sunsets and a return to standard time nationwide.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ireland-transitions-to-winter-time-as-clocks-go-back

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Cite as: European transition to winter time. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/european-transition-to-winter-time