Daylight Saving Time dates in Europe and the USA
Watch out if you're traveling to the United States in fall or spring: daylight saving time doesn't happen on the same dates in Europe and the USA. Here are the dates you need to know.
Like Europe, the United States also observes daylight saving time and standard time. Twice a year, clocks shift. Here’s the catch: Europe and the US don’t change their clocks on the same dates. In fall, Europe switches to standard time one week before the US. In spring, the US moves to daylight saving time three weeks before Europe. It can get confusing. Here are the dates for the next clock changes.
When does daylight saving time begin in 2026?
- Europe switches to daylight saving time on Sunday, March 29, 2026. Clocks move forward one hour: at 2 am, it becomes 3 am.
- The US switches to daylight saving time on Sunday, March 8, 2026. Clocks move forward one hour: at 2 am, it becomes 3 am. For several weeks, the time difference between Europe and New York will be 5 hours instead of 6.
- Pay close attention during the spring clock change. Since the hour moves forward, you can easily miss your flight or your airport transfers in New York if you forget about the time shift. The risk is especially high because the US changes its clocks before Europe does. Stay alert.
When does standard time begin in 2025?
- Europe switches to standard time on Sunday, October 26, 2025. Clocks move back one hour: at 3 am, it becomes 2 am.
- The US switches to standard time on Sunday, November 2, 2025. At 2 am, clocks move back one hour and it becomes 1 am.
- For one week, the time difference between Europe and New York will be 5 hours instead of the usual 6.