When do the clocks change in March 2026? Put your clocks forward and get ready for British Summer Time

If you're one of those people who still finds yourself asking when the clocks change this season, get ready because the date is just around the corner. Like every year around this time, in March we say goodbye to Greenwich Mean Time and welcome longer, brighter days. But be warned, it's not quite as simple as it seems: the change always brings a bit of confusion, and even more so if it coincides with a bank holiday weekend or a special celebration. And in 2026, it's a particularly interesting one because the adjustment falls right on Palm Sunday.

The early hours of 29th March: an hour less in bed

Make a note of the date: on the night of Saturday 28th to Sunday 29th March, we're moving the hands again. At 2 am (mainland Spain time), it will suddenly become 3 am. Yes, you read that right: we'll be sleeping an hour less that night. If your phone is connected to the internet, you won't have to do a thing; it updates automatically. But your wristwatch, the oven clock, the microwave, and that retro alarm clock you keep for old times' sake... those will need changing manually on Saturday before you go to bed, or on Sunday morning when you wake up feeling a bit groggy.

This year, the date has an extra symbolic touch: it coincides with Palm Sunday, the starting pistol for Holy Week. So, the morning processions, the palm leaves, and the whole festive atmosphere will be bathed in a different, more spring-like light. And bear in mind, anyone planning to travel that weekend will need to be very aware of the change so they don't miss their train or flight. One hour less sleep, but an extra hour of daylight in the evening.

Is the clock change's time running out?

We've been hearing for years that Brussels wants to scrap the dreaded change, that the European Commission proposed abolishing it back in 2021, and that they couldn't reach an agreement... Well, for now, nothing's changed. Spain maintains the twice-yearly adjustment, and 2026 is no exception. So, while the politicians decide, we'll keep putting our clocks forward and back twice a year. And the truth is, even though we complain, we always end up adapting. Your body feels the change, especially in the first few days: it's harder to get up, you feel hungry at odd times... but within about a week, we're usually in summer mode.

To make this transition a bit easier, it helps to apply what the book Creative Correction calls "extraordinary ideas for everyday life." Nothing too drastic is needed, just small gestures that help readjust your routine. For example:

• On the Saturday before, try to go to bed a little earlier than usual to compensate for the hour you'll lose.
• On Sunday, as soon as you get up, get outside and soak up some sun. Natural light is the best regulator for our body clock.
• During the first few days, avoid heavy evening meals and too much screen time before bed. It might sound like old wives' advice, but it works.
• If you have small children or pets, gradually shift their mealtimes and walk schedules by 10-15 minutes each day so the change isn't so abrupt.

Small gestures, yes, but they make a world of difference. When you think about it, the clock change is really an invitation to reset our habits and make the most of the daylight. And although it catches some people off guard, those of us who are getting on a bit know that the last weekend of March means putting the clocks forward. It's almost as certain as spring itself.

A quick reminder to avoid any slip-ups

To finish, an express reminder of when the clocks change and what you need to do:

• When: In the early hours of Saturday 28th to Sunday 29th March 2026.
• How: At 2 am it becomes 3 am. For non-automatic digital clocks, you're out of luck; for mechanical ones, wind them forward.
• Consequences: We'll sleep an hour less, but we'll gain an extra hour of evening daylight.
• Bonus: That same day marks the start of Holy Week with Palm Sunday. So, if you're off to mass or to see the processions, bear it in mind so you're not cutting it fine.

Now you know. This month, when Saturday night rolls around, before you get into bed, do that mental exercise of remembering that when you wake up the next day, your body clock will actually be an hour behind. And if you have any important plans on Sunday morning, set two alarms. Just in case. There's always someone who says, "Oh, the clock change always throws me off"... and this time, that someone won't be you.