Daylight Saving Time Changes – When Are the Clocks Going Forward?

It’s that time of the year again, when everyone spends a week asking: “Are we gaining or losing an hour?” 

So, to answer your question once and for all: the clocks go forward one hour at 1 a.m. on Sunday, 29th March 2026. That means we will lose one hour in bed, and the clock will jump from 1 am straight away to 2 am. 

Why Do the Clocks Change?

The concept of changing the clocks, known as Daylight Saving Time (DST), was first introduced to make better use of natural daylight and as a result, reduce energy consumption. 

Here’s how it works: 

• In spring, we move clocks forward to enjoy longer evenings, with more sunlight. 

• In autumn, we move them back to get brighter mornings and an easier wake-up. 

When the mornings get lighter, our bodies produce less melatonin (the sleep hormone) and more serotonin (the “feel good” hormone), giving us a subtle energy boost. 

Not Everyone Changes Their Clocks 

While most countries in Europe and North America participate in Daylight Saving Time, plenty of others have said “no thanks.” 

Countries that don’t change their clocks include: 

• China – operates on one standard time zone year-round. 

• Japan – stopped using daylight saving time after World War II.  

• India – sticks to Indian Standard Time all year. 

• Iceland – so far north, daylight saving time barely makes a difference. 

• Most of Africa and South America don’t change their clocks at all. 

Meanwhile, the European Union has discussed ending clock changes altogether, but for now, Ireland still takes part. So, we’ll continue to gain and lose an hour for a little while longer!

The Positives

It’s easy to focus on the hassle of changing your clocks each year, but there are actually plenty of positives to look forward to: 

• Brighter mornings – ideal for early risers. 

• Cosier evenings – perfect for lighting a fire and slowing down after a long day. 

• A healthier routine – that extra hour of sleep when the clocks go back can do wonders for your energy and mood. 

In October, the clock change marks the start of the WillowWarm season, when homes glow brighter, nights get longer, and everyone craves a bit more comfort.

How to Avoid the Classic ‘Wrong-Time Wake-Up’ 

Every March and October, WhatsApp groups fill with confessions like “I showed up to brunch an hour early” or “my oven still thinks it’s summer.” Here’s how to stay one step ahead: 

• Update manual clocks before bed – phones and smart devices will sort themselves out. 

• Enjoy the extra hour when they go back – slow mornings are the best kind of mornings. 

No matter what the clock says, it’s always the right time for comfort and warmth.  

Stock up on WillowWarm briquettes today.