Israel Switches to Winter Time, Gaining an Hour of Sleep

Israel will transition to winter time overnight between Saturday, October 24, and Sunday, October 25, 2026. At 2:00 AM, clocks will be set back one hour to 1:00 AM, marking the end of daylight saving time. This change means an extra hour of sleep for many, though daylight will appear to fade earlier in the afternoon.

Most smartphones, including iPhones and Android devices, will automatically adjust the time if automatic date and time settings are enabled. Similarly, networked computers and smartwatches are expected to update without user intervention. However, it is advisable to confirm these automatic settings are active to prevent issues with alarms and scheduled appointments for Sunday.

For devices that do not update automatically, such as wall clocks and traditional watches, manual adjustment will be necessary. The shift to winter time alters the perceived distribution of daylight, with earlier sunrises but also earlier sunsets. This change may be particularly noticeable for afternoon workers, students, and families with outdoor activities.

Winter time will remain in effect for approximately five months, concluding on Friday, March 26, 2027. On that date, at 2:00 AM, clocks will advance one hour to 3:00 AM, returning Israel to daylight saving time. This schedule is in accordance with the Time Determination Law, which stipulates that daylight saving time ends on the last Sunday of October. The current arrangement, extending daylight saving time, was enacted following legislative changes in 2013.

Individuals using non-automatic alarm clocks or other devices are reminded to manually set their time. It is also recommended to verify scheduled flights, travel, and activities for Sunday morning to avoid any confusion due to the time change. In summary, the clocks move back one hour at 2:00 AM tonight, granting an additional hour of sleep until the return to daylight saving time in late March 2027.