Winter time change 2025 in France: why the date has been brought forward to October 26

Thewinter time change will return in 2025. This seasonal changeover concerns the whole country and, as every year, raises some very concrete questions.

Winter time change 2025: why the “early” date?

The rule is simple: time changes on the last Sunday in October. In 2025, this date falls on Sunday, October 26, 2025, one day earlier than last year. So, the “early” feeling comes from the calendar, not from a new law. The winter time change will therefore follow the usual rhythm.

Saturday night at 3am, we return to 2am. We “gain” an hour’s sleep, but night falls earlier. What’s more, the sun rises earlier in the morning, which can help certain rhythms. This well-known mechanism structures change for decades.

The official rule in France and Europe

France applies the European framework, which sets summer and winter time. The country then switches fromUTC+2 (summer) toUTC+1 (winter). Smartphones update automatically. In short, changing to winter time often requires no technical intervention.

“On the night of Saturday October 25 to Sunday October 26, 2025, at 3 a.m., the clock returns to 2 a.m.”

In 2019, the European Parliament proposed to stop these seasonal toggles. The Council did not decide, and the measure was not implemented. EU countries are therefore continuing with the current system. It remains in force.

Not all overseas territories follow this pattern. Local customs prevail, depending on geographical location. When traveling, it’s best to check the local time on arrival. This caution also applies during the winter time change.

• Date 2025: Sunday, October 26, last night of October.
• Exact time: at 3 a.m. it will be 2 a.m.
• Time zone: back toUTC+1 in mainland France.
• Effect: more light in the morning, earlier sunset.
• Tips: set analog clocks, check shared calendars.

Concrete effects on your day

Many people experience a slight shift in sleep patterns. However, the body adapts within a few days. Morning light often makes waking up easier. As a result, waking up may not seem as harsh as the other shift.

As far as work and school are concerned, night falls earlier after the day. And vigilance on evening journeys becomes crucial. Pedestrians and cyclists need to be extra careful. This context ties in with the challenges of the winter time change< /strong >.

For transport, night trains can take a break. Companies have been planning this “extra” hour for a long time. Flights also follow local airport time. Digital calendars integrate the winter time change effortlessly.

Practical tips for a smooth transition

Starting the week before, bring your bedtime forward in stages. Fifteen minutes a day is often enough. This way, your body will follow the new clock more quickly. You’ll experience it with fewer bumps in the road.

In the morning, expose yourself to natural light. Drink water and eat meals at regular times. Avoid bright screens before going to bed. As a result, your rhythm will stabilize.

And after 2025? The debate continues

The prospect of an end to seasonal changes remains uncertain. Member States need to agree on a common method. Since 2020, other priorities have led to postponements. For the time being, winter time remains the rule.

If the EU were ever to decide, each country would choose a “permanent” time. The “year-round summer time” option would significantly alter winter evenings. On the other hand, “permanent winter time” would keep the mornings brighter. Each scenario has social and economic effects.

Let’s take a look at the next calendar milestone. In 2026, the winter changeover should fall on Sunday October 25, still in the last week of October. À 3 h</strong>, it will be 2 h</strong>, according to the same principle. In this way, the winter time change will remain predictable for everyone.

• winter time change