When to adjust your clocks for daylight saving time in 2025

In 2025, when will daylight saving time begin? What benefits come with adjusting the time at the end of March?

Clocks will advance by one hour when daylight saving time is implemented at the end of March. Accordingly, we gain longer, brighter days even though we could lose an hour of sleep.

Daylight saving time not only officially ushers in longer afternoons but also offers benefits like reduced energy consumption and more time spent outside taking in the fresh air.

When does summertime time change?

The time change will occur on Sunday the 30th of March. This marks the beginning of one of the year's most eagerly awaited events: the transition to daylight saving time. We can finally enjoy the afternoons and the nice weather because the days will be longer and brighter.

Madeira and mainland Portugal during the summer

The early hours of the 30th of March, will mark the transition to summer time. You must advance the clock to 2:00 if you reside in the autonomous region of Madeira or mainland Portugal when the clock strikes 1:00.

This results in longer days and more hours of natural light in the late afternoon, but at the expense of an hour of sleep.

Azores

Due to the time difference with mainland Portugal, the Autonomous Region of the Azores experiences an hour-earlier time shift. On Sunday, clocks should be moved forward to 01:00 at midnight.

This minor change in the clock signals the start of longer days, which are ideal for late-afternoon strolls and chats on terraces. Additionally, we feel as though summer is drawing nearer and that our beach vacation is just a few weeks away.

In the upcoming years, when will the time change?

Clocks are advanced one hour each year to mark the start of daylight saving time on the final Sunday in March. The clock hands will advance to 2 am at 1 am on March 30, 2025, marking the beginning of the change.

We have given you the dates for the shift over the next three years so that you can better plan yourself in the future:

• Time shift: March 29 in 2026; March 28 in 2027; and

• March 27 in 2028 We remind you that the Azores experience an hour-earlier transition to summer time than the rest of the nation.

What advantages does daylight saving time offer? We cannot simply consider the fact that we will get less sleep when we consider the time shift. There are several benefits to this shift in every aspect of our lives because:

1. It enables us to conserve energy: This is the primary benefit of daylight saving time. The amount of artificial lighting used will decrease if we make greater use of the natural light in the afternoons, particularly during the hours when we spend more time at home;

2. It promotes businesses: the additional hour of natural light in the late afternoon can boost foot traffic in eateries, shops, and bars, so promoting trade and tourism across the nation;

3. More time for exercise: Daylight saving time promotes consistent exercise, which enhances urban public space utilisation. Additionally, you're more inclined to leave the house to go for a run or even to the gym;

4. Reduces accidents: Because there is more natural light during the day, daylight saving time can help lower crime and road accidents;

5. Increases productivity: Working in natural light enhances wellbeing and performance, increasing our daily output.

When does daylight saving time expire in 2025?

In 2025, clocks are put back one hour on the 26th of October at dawn, marking the conclusion of daylight saving time. In the Autonomous Region of Madeira and mainland Portugal, 02:00 is changed to 01:00. The clock hands return to midnight at 1 am, which is one hour earlier than it is in the Azores.

The days start to rise sooner as a result of this shift, but the afternoons get shorter and shorter. For many, it signals the arrival of winter, which will bring colder temperatures and a new cadence to daily life. Until then, though, he relishes the days of abundant light and the approach of daylight saving time. Are you prepared for summer?