Winter time worldwide: Which countries still change clocks in 2025
Which countries of the world will switch to winter time in 2025 (photo: Freepik)
In 2025, about 70 countries and territories will apply the transition to daylight saving time and winter time. However, most countries of the world do not use this practice, especially those located closer to the equator, where the length of the day does not change significantly during the year.
Which countries of the world will switch to winter time, and when should the clock hands be turned?
Countries applying the transition to winter time in 2025
United States and Canada. The transition to wintertime will take place on November 2, 2025, at 2:00 a.m. local time.
European Union. The transition to wintertime will take place on October 26, 2025, at 1:00 a.m. Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
Australia. In the states where daylight saving time is applied (New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory), the transition to winter time will take place on April 6, 2025, at 3:00 a.m. daylight saving time, when the clock hands are turned to 2:00 a.m.
Middle East (Israel, Lebanon, Palestine, Egypt). Clocks are changed on the last Friday or Sunday of October.
In most countries, there is no concept of "wintertime," but rather "standard time" and "daylight saving time."
Since 2021, each country of the European Union has had the right to decide independently whether to change the time or not. However, most countries still follow the clock change.
Clocks are changed by residents of the following countries:
- Spain
- Italy
- Austria
- Albania
- Andorra
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- United Kingdom
- Ireland
- Vatican
- Gibraltar
- Denmark
- Kosovo
- Luxembourg
- Liechtenstein
- Macedonia
- Malta
- Monaco
- Norway
- Netherlands
- Germany
- Poland
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Hungary
- France
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Montenegro
- Switzerland
- Sweden
- Åland Islands
- Bulgaria
- Greece
- Estonia
- Cyprus
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Romania
- Finland
Among other countries that change time (throughout the entire country or partially):
- United States
- Mexico
- Canada
- Israel
- Lebanon
- Palestine
- Egypt
- Greenland
- Saint Pierre and Miquelon
- Bahamas
- Haiti
- Cuba
- Chile
- Paraguay
- Egypt
- Morocco
- Australia
Countries that do not apply the transition to winter time
China, Japan, India, most countries in Africa, and South America — these countries do not observe the transition to winter time because of the stable length of daylight throughout the year.
Ukraine: Transition to winter time
In Ukraine, the transition to winter time will take place on October 26, 2025, at 4:00 a.m., when clocks must be turned back one hour.
Why it is important to know about the transition to winter time
Travel. Knowledge about the transition to wintertime helps to avoid misunderstandings when planning trips and booking tickets.
Business. For international companies, it is important to take into account the time difference when organizing meetings and conferences.
Health. The transition to wintertime can affect the sleep schedule and general health, so it is important to prepare the body in advance for the changes.
Sources: Conrad Leadership Program, Statesman, Webexhibits, Wikipedia, National Center for Biotechnology Information.
