Start of British Summer Time

The clocks go forward

British Summer Time (BST) starts on the last Sunday in March. At 1am the clocks go forward one hour to 2am, so that night is an hour shorter. On the last Sunday in October the clocks go back again and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) returns.

The dates are the same as in the European Union, so the clocks change at the same moment across most of Europe. During BST the UK is one hour ahead of GMT.

What you need to do

Phones, computers and most connected devices change automatically. Clocks on the wall, the oven, the microwave and in the car need to be put forward by hand. A common way to remember the direction: spring forward, fall back.

Many people notice the change in their sleep for a few days. Going to bed a little earlier beforehand helps.

Why do the clocks change?

Moving the clocks forward in spring gives lighter evenings in summer. The idea was promoted in the early twentieth century by the builder William Willett, and the UK first changed its clocks during the First World War.