Clocks go back to winter time on Sunday
In the Netherlands, clocks go back one hour at 03:00; the European arrangement remains in force for now.
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In the early hours of Sunday, clocks in the Netherlands will go back from 03:00 to 02:00. This marks the start of standard time, commonly known as winter time.
The change will take place on Sunday 25 October 2026. Check on Sunday that the clocks on your devices are correct.
As a result, the night will last an hour longer by the clock. Under the new time, it will become light earlier in the morning and dark earlier in the evening.
Summer time and winter time are regulated at European level. The Netherlands has observed summer time since 1977 and has followed the European agreements on changing the clocks since 1980.
The European Parliament previously discussed ending the twice-yearly clock change, but the member states did not reach a definitive joint decision. The existing arrangement will therefore remain in force.
Sleep researchers point out that people may respond differently to a shift in their sleep patterns. This in itself says nothing about the health of an individual reader; the sources used do not provide medical advice.
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One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The clocks will go back from 03:00 to 02:00 on 25 October 2026.
- The arrangement is laid down at European level.
- A definitive abolition has not been decided.
Left
Arguments Emphasises that fixed time can better align with health, sleep and social rhythms.
Values Public health, wellbeing and predictability.
Consequences Fears that continuing clock changes will place particular pressure on vulnerable groups and workers with irregular shifts.
Centre
Arguments Emphasises joint European agreements and the importance of one time regime with neighbouring countries and transport networks.
Values Coordination, feasibility and institutional stability.
Consequences Warns that unilateral choices could create new problems for trade, travel and border regions.
Right
Arguments Emphasises practical freedom of choice and opposes additional European interference in an everyday national decision.
Values Subsidiarity, autonomy and simplicity.
Consequences Fears that new rules would create more bureaucracy than they solve.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The date and time have been confirmed by the Government of the Netherlands. The text remains cautious about possible health effects.
- confirmed On 25 October 2026, the clocks will go back one hour at 03:00. — Stated by the Government of the Netherlands. source
- confirmed Summer time is regulated at European level. — Stated by the Government of the Netherlands. source
- confirmed The Netherlands introduced summer time in 1977. — Stated by the Government of the Netherlands. source
Editor's note
The time and the European arrangement have been officially confirmed. Health effects are described in general terms and have not been translated into individual medical advice.Sources
- Waarom wordt de klok 2 keer per jaar verzet? — Rijksoverheid
- Van zomer- naar wintertijd: wat doet dat met je gezondheid? — EenVandaag
More on this in Dutch media
- Het Parool — „wintertijd zomertijd”
- Trouw — „wintertijd zomertijd”
- NRC — „wintertijd zomertijd”