The clocks will change earlier than usual in Britain in 2026 – here’s when the UK will get 8pm sunsets

This time of year, most of the small talk among Brits covers one of two things: how miserably cold it is outside or how depressingly dark it is. But those conversations won’t last much longer, we promise.

While we can’t predict the precise day that the UK will be warmer and sunnier, we do know the exact date that the sun will start setting after 8pm. Finally, we’ll get our evenings back, so start booking your beer garden tables and al fresco dining right now. 

The clocks going forward always falls on the final Sunday on March. In 2026, that means we’ll get brighter evenings a day earlier than we did last year. What a treat. Here’s everything you need to know. 

What date do the clocks go forward in 2026?

The UK’s clocks will go forward and ring in British Summer Time on Sunday March 29.  

What time do the clocks go forward? 

They’ll jump forward at 1am to say 2am instead, so we’ll lose an hour. 

Do I need to change the clocks myself?

Most modern things with in-built clocks – phones, computers, smart TVs, modern cars – change on their own. However, older or more manual timekeeping devices – like traditional clocks, some cars and kitchen appliances – will need changing yourself. 

Sunset times after clocks go forward

Here’s where the sun will set in major UK cities on March 29, from earliest to latest. 

• London – 7.28pm
• Birmingham – 7.36pm
• Manchester – 7.38pm
• Cardiff – 7.40pm
• Edinburgh – 7.44pm
• Glasgow – 7.48pm
• Belfast – 7.54pm

When will the sun set at 8pm? 

It’ll be slightly different depending on where you are. Some parts, like County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland will see post-8pm sunsets immediately after the clocks change. Edinburgh is expected to see its first sunset after 8pm on April 6, Cardiff is likely to get it on April 10 and Birmingham on April 12 while London will have to wait until April 17. 

When do the clocks go back again? 

We’ll remain in British Summer Time until the clocks go back again on October 25.  

📍 The 14 best places to visit in the UK in 2026.

🇬🇧 The best new things to do in the UK in 2026.

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