THE CLOCKS GO BACK: WHAT DO YOU ACTUALLY NEED TO CHANGE?
Italy’s clocks went back on the night of 24–25 October. This guide remains useful for checking any clocks that did not update automatically.
Do we gain an hour or lose one? In Italy in 2026, clocks went back during the night of Saturday 24 to Sunday 25 October. At 03:00, the time returned to 02:00, making that night one hour longer.
The details to save
• Date: Sunday 25 October 2026.
• Action: move manually adjusted clocks back by one hour.
• Example: 03:00 becomes 02:00.
The European Commission’s timetable ends summer time at 01:00 UTC on 25 October. At that instant, Italy changes from 03:00 summer time to 02:00 standard time.
Avoid changing the same clock twice
Check whether automatic date, time and time-zone settings are enabled on your phone. Devices configured to update themselves normally handle the change. Manually adjusting one as well can cause a double correction, so check the settings of the actual device you rely on for an alarm.
Wall clocks, ovens, cars and older alarm clocks may need attention. A note for Saturday evening can save you searching for the clock showing the wrong time on Monday.
Night travel and shifts
For a train, flight or work shift during the change, use the operator’s timetable and ask for clarification if needed. Times between 02:00 and 03:00 occur twice, so overnight arrangements need to distinguish which occurrence is intended.
The clocks do not shorten the daylight
Changing the time alters the clock reading assigned to sunrise and sunset, rather than the physical amount of daylight. Sunset appears one hour earlier on the clock; the gradual shortening of autumn days is a separate process.
If you have not already done so, compare your household clocks with an updated device. Then enjoy the day: an extra hour on the clock does not have to become another hour of obligations.
