Autumn in Spain not only brings cooler weather and shorter days, but also serves as a reminder of the annual clock change. At the end of October, residents traditionally have to set their clocks back to switch to winter time. Although this procedure has long become routine, each year it sparks questions and discussions.
In 2025, the switch to winter time will take place during the night of October 25 to 26. At 03:00, clocks will need to be set back one hour to 02:00. This will give Spaniards an extra hour of sleep on the last weekend of October. The change applies to the entire country, including the island regions.
Spain and other EU countries change clocks twice a year: in spring and autumn. The main goal is to make better use of daylight hours and reduce energy consumption. However, in recent years, this practice has become the subject of debate. Some experts in medicine and sleep note that such changes can negatively affect people’s well-being. After the clock change, some people report feeling tired, irritable, having trouble sleeping, and even decreased productivity. There is also ongoing discussion about the link between time changes and the risk of developing certain health conditions.
The issue of abolishing seasonal clock changes has been under discussion in Europe for several years. In 2018, the European Commission (Comisión Europea) proposed ending this practice, but member states have yet to reach a consensus. The Spanish government set up a special commission to study the matter, but no final decision has been made. According to current legislation, the schedule for changing the clocks is published in advance and covers the next five years. It is currently known that the next switch to daylight saving time is scheduled for March 29, 2026, while the switch back to winter time will take place on October 25, 2026. However, these dates may be revised if the European Union makes a new decision.
For now, Spaniards will need to keep an eye on the calendar and remember the upcoming clock change. The question of whether this tradition remains relevant is still open, and it is possible that the country will abandon seasonal time changes in the coming years. But in 2025, the familiar ritual will still continue.
