Israel to Switch to Winter Time October 24, Gaining an Hour of Sleep

Israel will shift to winter time on the night of October 24-25, 2026, when clocks will be turned back one hour at 2:00 AM. This change will extend daylight hours in the morning and shorten them in the evening, aligning daily schedules with natural light. Winter time will remain in effect until March 26, 2027, when clocks will revert to daylight saving time.

Most modern smartphones will update automatically, but users are advised to check their settings to ensure the automatic update or Jerusalem time zone is selected. The switch means the night will be an hour longer, granting an extra hour of sleep. This practice is governed by Israel's 2013 Time Law, which mandates the clock change to better synchronize daily activities with daylight duration.

The shift to shorter days and longer nights in winter can lead to increased melatonin production, causing feelings of sleepiness and fatigue. Reduced sunlight exposure may also affect serotonin levels, potentially impacting mood and leading to feelings of low energy or sadness for some individuals.

While some advocate for year-round daylight saving time, citing benefits like more evening light, increased family time, potential reductions in nighttime accidents, and better alignment with European schedules, Israel currently maintains the seasonal time change system.

Internationally, many countries in Asia, Africa, and South America have abandoned daylight saving time. The U.S. also periodically debates ending the practice. In 2019, the European Parliament supported ending mandatory clock changes, allowing member states to decide whether to remain on standard or daylight saving time year-round.