When will the clocks change to winter time in 2026? A new plan for the coming years

There are only a few days left until the time change. This coming weekend, daylight saving time will end throughout Poland. We will switch to Central European Time, commonly known as winter time. The date follows the prime minister’s regulation: in 2026, the change falls on Sunday, 25 October.

When will the clocks change to winter time in 2026? From Saturday to Sunday

We turn the clocks back on the night from Saturday, 24 October, to Sunday, 25 October. At 3:00 a.m., we turn the hands back to 2:00 a.m. This means that the hour between 2:00 and 3:00 a.m. will occur twice that night.

For people who can enjoy uninterrupted sleep, this will be an opportunity to spend an extra hour in bed. On Sunday morning, it will be brighter according to the clock, but darkness will also fall earlier. The change itself neither lengthens nor shortens the day—it only shifts the times of sunrise and sunset.

Smartphones and computers with automatic time setting enabled will usually make the adjustment themselves. Some wall clocks, watches and household devices will have to be reset manually. Before waking up on Sunday, it is worth checking the settings on your phone and alarm clock.

Is this the last time change? Poland is preparing further dates

The autumn clock change is the last one listed in the Polish regulation covering 2022–2026. This does not, however, mean the end of seasonal time changes.

On 15 October 2026, a draft of another regulation was published in the government register—this time concerning 2027–2031. It is intended to continue the existing rules. According to information published by the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, the regulation is scheduled to be issued in the first quarter of 2027. For now, it is a draft, not a new act in force.

The European Union has a schedule of time changes through 2031

The European Commission has already published a calendar for the start and end of daylight saving time for the next five years:

The dates follow the EU schedule published in March 2026.

This does not mean that the time change must remain with us until 2031. Nor does it mean that it will be abolished in 2031. The calendar was prepared on the basis of the current regulations. Ending the clock changes earlier would require a change in the law.

Why does Europe still change the clocks?

The European Commission presented a proposal to abolish seasonal time changes in September 2018. In March 2019, the European Parliament adopted a position supporting the departure from this system. However, the date indicated at the time—2021—was not achieved.

To complete the work, an agreement between the European Parliament and the Council of the EU is needed. The Council has not yet agreed on its position. As it reports on its website, there is no final decision or set date for making one.

Coordination of decisions between countries is also important. Choosing a time observed throughout the year would affect, among other things, transport, timetables and the operations of companies working across borders. In EU discussions, countries have already indicated that a common approach is needed to avoid fragmented rules.

When will we switch to permanent winter time?

No date has been set for Poland to remain permanently on winter time. Nor has a final decision been made that this would be the time chosen if the changes are eventually abolished. Ending the clock changes and choosing the time to be observed throughout the year are two separate issues. The existing EU proposal provides for abolishing seasonal changes, not imposing a single time zone on all countries.

Remaining on winter time would mean earlier sunrise and sunset times than under permanent daylight saving time. Choosing daylight saving time would mean later sunsets, but also later winter sunrises.

For now, the date of the next change is certain: On 25 October 2026, we will turn the clocks back from 3:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.. Under the current rules and the published schedule, the next return to daylight saving time falls on 28 March 2027.