The clocks change every autumn in Spain, bringing with it a recurring question: when do the clocks change, and how will it affect daily life? The adjustment is linked to the return to standard time and is implemented simultaneously across European Union countries. Although it takes place every year, it is worth checking the calendar and understanding the change to avoid confusion. Below, you'll find everything you need to know about the next clock change in Spain.
When does standard time change in Spain?
Standard time in Spain will begin in the early hours of Sunday 25 October 2026. The change will take place at 3.00 am in mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands, while in the Canary Islands it will occur at 2.00 am.
Internet-connected devices, such as mobile phones, computers and smartwatches, usually update automatically. However, analogue clocks, household appliances and systems without internet access will need to be adjusted manually.
Do the clocks go forward or back?
With the return to standard time, clocks will go back one hour. This means that when the clock reaches 3.00 am in mainland Spain, it will immediately return to 2.00 am. In the Canary Islands, the change will be made at 2.00 am, when the clocks go back to 1.00 am.
As a result, you will gain an extra hour of sleep that night. The day will last 25 hours, although the effect on sleep varies from person to person. Changes in routine can temporarily affect sleeping patterns, particularly among children, older people and night-shift workers.
The most noticeable consequence will be that sunrise arrives earlier, but nightfall will also come sooner. Over the following weeks, the reduction in evening daylight will become increasingly noticeable as the winter solstice approaches.
Since when has Spain changed the clocks?
Spain has changed its clocks on a regular basis since the late 20th century, in line with measures adopted across much of Europe. The practice became established during the energy crises of the 1970s, when several countries introduced time changes in an effort to make better use of natural daylight.
Since then, the system has been harmonised across the European Union. All member states that apply the measure change their clocks on the same dates, although the exact time varies according to each territory's time zone.
The debate over abolishing clock changes
The future of seasonal clock changes has been debated in the European Union for several years. In 2018, the European Commission launched a public consultation on whether the twice-yearly clock changes should be abolished. Most respondents supported ending the current system.
The European Parliament subsequently backed the possibility of discontinuing seasonal clock changes. However, implementation would require agreement among member states, and the proposal has remained on hold due to a lack of consensus.
