Israel Switches to Winter Time, Clocks Fall Back One Hour

Israel began observing winter time on the night of Saturday, October 24, 2026, as clocks were set back by one hour at 2:00 AM. This change, which will remain in effect until March 26, 2027, provides an extra hour of sleep and alters sunrise and sunset times compared to daylight saving time. The shift aligns daily activities with seasonal changes in daylight. The law regulating the clock change, in place since 2013, stipulates that daylight saving time ends on the last Sunday of October each year. With the adoption of winter time, the sun will rise and set earlier, allowing for more daylight in the morning but earlier darkness in the evening. Most smartphones and electronic devices will automatically update the time if automatic settings are enabled, but manual adjustments may be necessary for other devices, particularly alarms and offline clocks. The change to shorter daylight hours in winter can affect sleep patterns and mood, potentially influencing melatonin and serotonin levels. While proponents of year-round daylight saving time cite benefits for evening activities, opponents of winter time argue it reduces time for family activities and may increase driving in the dark. Several countries have abandoned seasonal clock changes, and the European Parliament voted in 2019 to end the practice, though member states can choose their permanent time. Discussions continue globally on whether to maintain seasonal time changes.