Fall back

When do the clocks go back?

Sunday 25 October 2026

The clocks next go back one hour on Sunday 25 October 2026 at 02:00 BST, ending British Summer Time and returning the UK to GMT. You gain one hour.

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Autumn clock change (BST ends)
YearClocks go back — last Sunday of October, 02:00 BST
2026Sunday 25 October 2026
2027Sunday 31 October 2027
2028Sunday 29 October 2028
2029Sunday 28 October 2029
2030Sunday 27 October 2030
2031Sunday 26 October 2031
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What happens when the clocks go back?

Direct answer. At 02:00 BST on the last Sunday of October, UK clocks fall back to 01:00 GMT. The hour between 01:00 and 02:00 happens twice that night.

From then the UK is on Greenwich Mean Time (UTC+0) until the last Sunday of March. Mornings get lighter and evenings get darker.

Key fact: Fall back = gain 1 hour. 02:00 BST becomes 01:00 GMT on the last Sunday of October.

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FAQ

Do you lose or gain an hour when the clocks go back?

You gain an hour. At 02:00 the clocks fall back to 01:00, so that Sunday is 25 hours long and you get an extra hour in bed.

What time do the clocks go back?

At 02:00 BST, which becomes 01:00 GMT. It always happens on the last Sunday of October.

Does it get darker earlier after the clocks go back?

Yes. Sunset moves an hour earlier by the clock, so evenings get dark sooner — though mornings get lighter. This is the end of British Summer Time.