Daylight Saving Time Calculator
When does the clock change? Dates for summer and winter time in Germany. Online calculator considering leap years, weekdays and holidays.
Find out when the next time change takes place in Germany. Clocks are set forward on the last Sunday in March and back on the last Sunday in October.
Next time change
In 109 days
Sunday, October 25, 2026
Clocks are set back: 03:00 MESZ becomes 02:00 MEZ
Current time zone
Central European Summer Time (CEST / UTC+2)
Summer time (CEST)
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Clocks are set forward
02:00 MEZ becomes 03:00 MESZ
The night is 1 hour shorter
Already passedWinter time (CET)
Sunday, October 25, 2026
Clocks are set back
03:00 MESZ becomes 02:00 MEZ
The night is 1 hour longer
Time changes overview
| Year | Summer time | Winter time |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 03/29/2026 | 10/25/2026 |
| 2027 | 03/28/2027 | 10/31/2027 |
| 2028 | 03/26/2028 | 10/29/2028 |
| 2029 | 03/25/2029 | 10/28/2029 |
Note on EU regulation
The EU Parliament decided in 2019 to abolish the time change. However, implementation has not been carried out due to lack of agreement between member states. The time change continues until further notice.
Note: These calculations are for informational purposes only and do not replace professional tax or financial advice. All information without guarantee.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the time change in Germany?
Clocks spring forward one hour on the last Sunday of March (to CEST, UTC+2) and fall back one hour on the last Sunday of October (to CET, UTC+1). The EU has discussed abolishing this but no decision has been implemented.
Why does Germany still change the clocks?
Although the EU Parliament voted to end seasonal time changes, member states have not agreed on whether to keep permanent summer or winter time. Until a coordinated decision is made, the changes continue.
Are leap years and holidays taken into account?
Yes — the calculator automatically considers leap years, German public holidays and varying month lengths. For working-day calculations weekends are correctly excluded.
Guide
Quick Answer
The daylight saving time calculator shows the dates of the clock change (summer/winter time) and computes the current time in CET or CEST.
What is the Daylight Saving Time Calculator?
The daylight saving time calculator shows the dates of the clock change (summer/winter time) and computes the current time in CET or CEST.
How does the Daylight Saving Time Calculator work?
The calculator shows the next change dates and whether summer or winter time currently applies. On the last Sunday in March clocks go forward from 2 to 3 am; on the last Sunday in October clocks go back from 3 to 2 am.
Key Data and Facts
Summer time (CEST): last Sunday in March, 2:00 to 3:00 am. Winter time (CET): last Sunday in October, 3:00 to 2:00 am. EU abolition of clock changes still under discussion.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to use the daylight saving time calculator step by step: 1. Check the current time zone -- the calculator shows whether CET (winter time, UTC+1) or CEST (summer time, UTC+2) currently applies. 2. Read off the next change: summer time begins on the last Sunday in March at 2:00 (set clocks forward to 3:00). Winter time begins on the last Sunday in October at 3:00 (set clocks back to 2:00). 3. Mnemonic: in spring put the garden furniture FORWARD out the door (clock FORWARD), in autumn put it BACK in the shed (clock BACK). 4. Effects: when switching to summer time, one hour is lost (the night is one hour shorter). When switching to winter time, one hour is gained. 5. EU debate: in 2019 the EU decided to abolish the time change. However, its implementation is still pending. 6. Common applications: travel planning, international conference calls, server configuration. Tip: electronic devices switch automatically, analogue clocks must be adjusted manually.
Calculation Example
2026: summer time from Sunday 29 March (2:00 becomes 3:00). Winter time from Sunday 25 October (3:00 becomes 2:00).
Sources · E-E-A-T
Official sources
Calculations are based on applicable German laws and official data:
Full methodology at Methodology.
Date & Time
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