Clocks Changing In The UK (When Do Clocks Go Forward And Back 2023): Frequently Asked Questions Answered!

It’s that time of the year again when the clocks change in the UK, and the question on everyone’s mind is: when do the clocks change?

While the exact dates vary from year to year, in 2023 the clocks will change twice: once in March and once in October.

In this blog post, we’ll be exploring everything you need to know about the UK’s clock changes, from when the clock goes forward and the time it happens.

So, without further ado, let’s dive in!

Here are the questions this article answers:

• Why Do We Change the Clocks in the UK?
• When Do the Clocks Change in the UK?
• When Do the Clocks Go Forward in the UK?
• When Do the Clocks Go Back in the UK?
• What Is the British Summer Time 2023?
• When Clocks Go Forward Is It Lighter in the Morning?
• Why Do the Clocks Go Back at 2 AM?
• What Is Daylight Savings 2023 UK?
• Do We Lose an Hour in March UK?
• What Is the Impact of Clock Changes on People and Businesses?
• How to Prepare for Clock Changes in 2023

Why Do We Change the Clocks in the UK?

The main reason for changing the clocks in the UK is to make better use of natural daylight. During the summer months, the days are longer, and the sun sets later.

By setting the clocks ahead by one hour, we can make the most of the daylight by having more hours of sunlight in the evenings.

During the winter months, the days are shorter, and the sun sets earlier. By setting the clocks back by one hour, we can have more hours of sunlight in the mornings.

Changing the clocks twice a year has been a tradition in the UK since 1916 when it was introduced as a way to save energy during World War I.

While the energy-saving benefits of changing the clocks are now debatable, the tradition has continued and is now a well-established part of British culture.

When Do the Clocks Change in the UK?

The clocks change twice a year: in March and in October. The clocks will go forward in March on the last Sunday, which is known as British Summer Time (BST).

The clocks will go back in October on the last Sunday as well, which is known as Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

When Do the Clocks Go Forward in the UK?

In the UK, the clocks go forward by one hour at 1:00 AM on the last Sunday in March. This marks the beginning of British Summer Time (BST).

In 2023, the clocks will go forward on the 26th of March.

When Do the Clocks Go Back in the UK?

The clocks go back by one hour at 2:00 AM on the last Sunday in October.

This marks the end of British Summer Time (BST) and the return to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

The exact date when the clocks go back changes each year, but it is always on the last Sunday in October.

In 2023, the clocks will go back on the 29th of October.

What Is the British Summer Time 2023?

British Summer Time (BST) is the period of the year when the clocks go forward in the UK and set ahead by one hour in the UK.

BST begins on the last Sunday in March and ends on the last Sunday in October.

When Clocks Go Forward Is It Lighter in the Morning?

When the clocks go forward, it is lighter in the evenings because the time is set ahead by one hour.

This allows us to make the most of the daylight by having more hours of sunlight in the evenings.

Since sunrise and sunset will be an hour later, the mornings are typically darker but will get lighter until mid June.

Why Do the Clocks Go Back at 2 AM?

The clocks go back at 2 AM because it is the middle of the night and it is the least disruptive time for the clock change to take place.

Moreover, it is the least amount of train travel around the UK that won’t be disrupted by clock changes.

This means that people are less likely to be affected by the clock change.

What Is Daylight Savings 2023 UK?

British Summer Time (BST) is also called Daylight Saving Time (DST) since it is the period when there’s more daylight in the evenings and less in the mornings.

Do We Lose an Hour in March UK?

When the clocks go forward in March, it does mean that we lose an hour. This is because the clocks go forward by an hour, so the day is an hour longer, but resulting in one less hour of sleep for the night of change.

However, it is important to remember that the clock change is designed to make sure that people in the UK make the most of the daylight hours during the summer months, so the hour that is lost in the spring is made up for in the summer.

What Is the Impact of Clock Changes on People and Businesses?

The clock changes in the UK have a big impact on people and businesses. For people, it can be difficult to adjust to the new time, as the body’s internal clock takes some time to adjust.

Some people may find it difficult to adjust to the time change and may experience symptoms caused by clock changes, such as fatigue, irritability, decreased focus, appetite changes and difficulty sleeping.

For businesses, the impact of clock changes can depend on the specific industry and how it is affected by the time change.

Businesses need to be prepared for the clock changes and make sure that they adjust their working hours accordingly.

Moreover, businesses that rely on shift work or have global operations may face logistical challenges when the clocks change.

Nevertheless, the impact of clock changes on people and businesses tends to be temporary and most people and businesses adjust to the time change within a few days.

How to Prepare for Clock Changes in 2023

It’s important to be prepared for the clock changes in 2023 and make sure that you adjust to the new times. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the clock changes:

• Make sure you are aware of when the clocks will change in 2023.
• Adjust your sleep schedule in the days leading up to the clock change.
• Make sure you have plenty of light in your home during the evenings after the clocks go forward. This can help you feel more awake and alert.
• Consider using blackout curtains or an eye mask to help you sleep after the clocks go back. This can help you get a good night’s sleep and adjust to the new time more quickly.
• If you work, make sure you adjust your working hours to account for the clock change.
• Make sure you adjust any automatic timers, alarm clocks, and any other clocks that you have in your home.
• Plan ahead for any travel or other activities that may be affected by the clock change. For example, if you are planning a long car journey, consider leaving a little earlier or later to account for the time change.
• Stay hydrated and eat well-balanced meals. This can help you feel more alert and energised after the clock changes.

Concluding Thoughts on the UK’s Clock Changes

By being prepared for the clock changes, it will make it easier to adjust to the new times and make the most of the daylight hours throughout the year. To help you remember, just refer to the two questions and answers below:

• Do clocks go back or forward in March? – The clocks go forward in March on the last Sunday at 1 AM.
• Do the clocks go forward or back in October? – The clocks go back in October on the last Sunday at 2 AM.

If you are affected by the clock changes, there are steps you can take to prepare for the time change and minimise any disruption.

These include setting your clocks and other devices ahead or back by one hour on the appropriate dates, adjusting your sleep schedule, and making sure you have plenty of light in your home during the evenings after the clocks go forward.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that the clock changes have minimal impact on your daily life.

Do you have any tips or recommendations for fellow readers? Let us know in the comments section below!