Daylight saving time changes in March 2026: Here's when to put your clocks forward
If you're one of those people who still finds themselves asking when do the clocks change this season, brace yourself because the date is just around the corner. Like clockwork each year, March is when we bid farewell to standard time and welcome longer, brighter evenings. But it's not quite as simple as it sounds: the change always brings a bit of confusion, especially if it coincides with a long weekend or a special occasion. And in 2026, there's an interesting twist because it falls right on Palm Sunday.
The early hours of March 29: losing an hour of sleep
Mark it in your diary: on the night of Saturday March 28 to Sunday March 29, we're shifting the hands again. At 2am (eastern standard time), it will instantly become 3am. Yes, you read that right: we're sleeping an hour less that night. If your phone's connected to the internet, you don't need to do a thing—it updates automatically. But those wristwatches, the oven clock, the microwave timer, and that retro alarm clock you keep for sentimental reasons? Those you'll have to change manually on Saturday before bed, or on Sunday morning when you're still half-awake.
This year, the date carries extra significance: it coincides with Palm Sunday, kicking off the Easter celebrations. So the morning processions, palm fronds, and festive atmosphere will be bathed in a different light—one that feels distinctly like spring. And if you're planning a getaway that weekend, you'll need to keep the time change front of mind so you don't miss your train or flight. One less hour of sleep, but an extra hour of daylight in the evening.
Is the end of daylight saving in sight?
We've been hearing for years that Brussels wants to scrap this whole time-change business—that the European Commission proposed eliminating it back in 2021, but no agreement was reached. Well, for now, nothing's changed. Spain still sticks to the twice-yearly adjustment, and 2026 is no exception. So while the politicians deliberate, we'll keep pushing our clocks forward and back twice a year. And let's be honest, despite the grumbling, we always manage to adapt. Our bodies feel the shift, especially in those first few days: getting out of bed feels harder, hunger pangs hit at odd hours... but within about a week, we're pretty much in summer mode.
To make the transition smoother, it helps to apply what the book Creative Correction calls "extraordinary ideas for everyday life." Nothing too drastic—just small habits that help reset your routine. For example:
- The Saturday before, try heading to bed a bit earlier than usual to make up for the lost hour.
- On Sunday, as soon as you're up, get outside and soak up some sun. Natural light is the best regulator for our internal body clock.
- In the first few days, avoid heavy dinners and too much screen time before bed. It sounds like old-fashioned advice, but it actually works.
- If you've got little kids or pets, gradually shift their meal and walk times by 10-15 minutes each day so the change isn't so abrupt.
Small gestures, sure—but they make a real difference. At the end of the day, the time change is really an invitation to reset our habits and make the most of the daylight. And while it might catch some by surprise, those of us who've been around the block know that the last weekend of March means putting the clocks forward. It's almost as reliable as spring itself.
A quick refresher so you don't get caught out
To wrap things up, here's a speedy reminder of when the clocks change and what you need to do:
- When: In the early hours of Saturday March 28 to Sunday March 29, 2026.
- How: At 2am, it becomes 3am. Non-automatic digital clocks need adjusting back an hour; mechanical ones, wind them forward.
- What it means: We'll lose an hour of sleep, but gain an extra hour of evening light.
- Bonus: That same day marks the start of Easter with Palm Sunday. So if you're heading to services or to watch processions, factor it in so you're not running late.
Now you know the drill. This month, when Saturday night rolls around, do yourself a mental favour before hopping into bed: remind yourself that when you wake up, your body clock will actually be reading an hour later than usual. And if you've got any important plans on Sunday morning, set two alarms. Just to be safe. Because there's always someone who says, "Oh, the time change always confuses me"... and this time, that someone won't be you.