With the arrival of spring, the days begin to lengthen and natural light gradually replaces the darkness of winter. Evenings grow brighter – and little by little, routines shift to make the most of the extra daylight. In this context, a familiar date is also approaching: changing the clocks in Spain, an adjustment that symbolically marks the transition to summer time.
When were the clocks first changed in Spain?
Spain first adopted daylight saving time in 1918. The measure was introduced in a context shaped by the First World War, when several European countries began adjusting their clocks to make better use of sunlight and reduce energy consumption. At the time, the main objective was economic.
Throughout the 20th century, daylight saving time was applied irregularly. It was not until the 1970s, following the 1973 oil crisis, that it was reinstated more consistently as a way to encourage energy savings. Since the 1980s, the timing of clock changes has been coordinated at the European level.
When do we change the clocks in March 2026?
In 2026, the switch to summer time will take place on Sunday, 29 March, the last Sunday of the month. As usual, the change will occur in the early hours when Spain puts the clocks forward to make the most of longer daylight hours.
What time do the clocks go forward in 2026?
The adjustment is made in the early hours of the morning to minimise its impact on daily activity. At 2:00 a.m., the clocks will move forward one hour to 3:00 a.m., meaning we will have one less hour of sleep.
In the Canary Islands, the change will take place at 1:00, when it will become 2:00 (at the same time as on the mainland). Most internet-connected electronic devices update the time automatically.
When will we stop changing the clocks?
The debate on abolishing daylight saving time remains open in the European Union. Although the possibility of permanently eliminating this practice and allowing each country to choose a fixed time zone year-round has been raised in recent years, no final decision has yet been made.
In Spain, there is an official timetable that sets the dates for the changes until 2026, but any future modifications will depend on the agreements reached at the European level.