Israel Shifts to Winter Time This Weekend
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Israel will switch to winter time this weekend, moving clocks back one hour early Sunday, October 25, 2026. This change provides an extra hour of sleep but results in earlier sunsets. Most digital devices will update automatically, but manual checks are recommended. The seasonal time shift aims to align activities with daylight, though debates persist about the benefits of year-round summer time.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel will switch to winter time this weekend, moving clocks back one hour.
- The time change occurs early Sunday morning, October 25, 2026, at 2:00 AM.
- Winter time will last until March 26, 2027, when clocks move forward for summer time.
- Most smartphones and computers will update automatically, but manual checks are advised.
- Earlier sunsets are expected during winter, impacting daily routines and Shabbat times.
- The Manufacturers Association advocates for year-round summer time, citing economic benefits.
Israel will transition to winter time this weekend, moving clocks back one hour early Sunday morning, October 25, 2026. The change, mandated by law, will occur at 2:00 AM when clocks will be set back to 1:00 AM, granting an extra hour of sleep. This shift means earlier sunrises and sunsets, with mornings becoming lighter sooner but daylight ending earlier in the afternoon.
Winter time will remain in effect until Friday, March 26, 2027, when Israel will revert to summer time. The immediate effect of the transition is the extra hour of sleep. However, the earlier sunset will impact daily routines, leading to darkness in the late afternoon and evening throughout the winter months. This will also affect Shabbat candle-lighting times and departure times, which will be about an hour earlier.
Most smartphones, computers, and connected watches are expected to update automatically. However, users are advised to verify that automatic date and time updates are enabled in their device settings, with the time zone set to Israel or Jerusalem, to avoid issues. Non-networked devices like wall clocks, older alarm clocks, car clocks, and some kitchen appliances may require manual adjustment.
The purpose of the seasonal time change is to align activity hours with daylight. Winter time, which is Israel's standard time (UTC+2), allows for earlier sunrises, facilitating morning activities. Conversely, summer time (UTC+3) extends daylight into the evening.
Debate continues regarding the necessity of winter time. Opponents argue that earlier sunsets negatively impact leisure time, commerce, and quality of life, advocating for year-round summer time. Proponents of standard winter time counter that year-round summer time would result in later sunrises during winter, causing many students and workers to start their day in darkness. Ron Tomer, President of the Manufacturers Association of Israel, has called for year-round summer time, citing potential economic benefits of approximately 440 million shekels annually and reduced road accidents. Despite these discussions, the seasonal time change remains in effect.
