Hungary will switch back to winter time one day earlier this year than it did in 2025. The clocks will go back from 3 AM to 2 AM on Sunday, 25 October, meaning people will gain an extra hour of sleep.
The European Union’s plans to abolish the twice-yearly clock change have been debated for years, but no final decision has been made. For now, the current system remains in place.
When do the clocks change in Hungary?
The clocks are changed twice a year across the EU. On the last Sunday of March, clocks move forward by one hour for summer time, while on the last Sunday of October, they move back by one hour to winter time.
In 2026, the change to winter time will take place overnight from Saturday, 24 October to Sunday, 25 October. At 3 AM, clocks will be turned back to 2 AM.
This means that the same hour will occur twice during the night, and people will effectively have an extra hour available for sleeping. Last year, the change took place one day later, overnight from 25 to 26 October 2025.
The most recent clock change took place on 29 March 2026, when clocks moved forward from 2 AM to 3 AM.
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Earlier sunsets are coming
The switch to winter time means an extra hour of daylight in the morning compared with summer time, but darkness will arrive earlier in the afternoon and evening.
Winter time is generally considered the standard time, with summer time introduced by moving the clocks forward by one hour in March. Although many people prefer having more daylight in the evening, experts generally consider winter time to be more closely aligned with the body’s natural rhythm, according to 24.hu.
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Clock changes can affect the body
Moving the clocks by just one hour may seem minor, but the change can temporarily disrupt the body’s biological clock.
The circadian rhythm helps regulate several bodily functions, including sleep and wakefulness, digestion, body temperature and mood. It is closely linked to light and darkness, meaning a sudden change in the timing of daylight can affect the body’s usual rhythm.
The effects vary from person to person. Some people may experience tiredness, sleepiness or headaches, while others may need several days to adjust to the new schedule.
Will the EU abolish the clock change?
The abolition of seasonal clock changes has been debated at EU level for years. However, there is currently no final EU decision to end the system, meaning Hungary will continue to change its clocks twice a year for the time being.
So, if you are living in or visiting Hungary, remember: on Sunday, 25 October, the clocks will go back one hour, from 3 AM to 2 AM.
