What is the time? UK clocks go back today
Published · 10 sources · 200+ searches today
As of 25 October 2026, the UK clocks go back one hour at 2:00 am, ending British Summer Time and returning to Greenwich Mean Time. The hour between 1:00 and 2:00 am happens twice, which is why many people are checking the exact time today.
Key facts
- 2:00 am, Sunday 25 October 2026: UK clocks go back one hour
- The hour between 1:00 and 2:00 am happens twice
- 1:00 am, Sunday 28 March 2027: clocks go forward again
- BST means clocks are one hour ahead of GMT
- UK clock changes happen on the last Sunday in March and October
What happened today
As of 25 October 2026, the UK has moved from British Summer Time back to Greenwich Mean Time. Clocks went back one hour at 2:00 am, so 1:00 to 2:00 am occurs twice.
That is why people are searching “what is the time” today: phones, watches, travel schedules, work shifts and appointments can all be affected by the overnight change.
Why the clock change matters
The autumn change gives people an extra hour in bed, but it also brings earlier sunsets. For many people, the immediate question is whether a device has updated automatically or still needs to be changed manually.
The current UK system is to move clocks forward on the last Sunday in March and back on the last Sunday in October. BST means clocks are one hour ahead of GMT.
What happens next
The next UK clock change is due at 1:00 am on Sunday 28 March 2027, when clocks go forward again and BST resumes.
The annual debate has also returned, with supporters of permanent summer time arguing for lighter evenings, while opponents warn of darker winter mornings, especially in Scotland and for children travelling to school.
The wider debate
Sleep researchers generally favour standard time because it follows natural daylight and body clocks more closely. They also say clock changes can temporarily disrupt sleep, concentration and wellbeing.
The government says it has no plans to switch the UK to Central European Time or change the current system, and says there is not enough evidence that reform would improve travel, tourism or energy use.
Frequently asked
What time did the UK clocks go back in 2026?
They went back one hour at 2:00 am on Sunday 25 October 2026. That means the hour between 1:00 and 2:00 am happened twice.
Why is “what is the time” trending in the UK today?
People are checking the exact time because the clock change happened overnight. It can affect phones, watches, travel, work shifts and appointments.
Are we on GMT or BST now?
As of 25 October 2026, the UK has returned to Greenwich Mean Time. British Summer Time ended when clocks went back at 2:00 am.
When do the clocks go forward again in 2027?
They are due to go forward at 1:00 am on Sunday 28 March 2027. That is when British Summer Time resumes.
Sources
- [1] bbc.co.uk
- [2] aol.co.uk
- [3] ground.news
- [4] lbc.co.uk
- [5] ibtimes.co.uk
- [6] bbc.co.uk
- [7] rmets.org
- [8] independent.co.uk
- [9] bbc.com
- [10] bbc.co.uk
Researched automatically from live news and written by Simpledot's AI; facts are limited to what the sources above report as of the published time. Spot an error? Tell us.