Israel Shifts to Winter Time: Clocks Fall Back October 24, 2026

Israel will transition to winter time on the night between October 24 and 25, 2026. At 2:00 AM, clocks will be set back one hour, effectively granting an extra hour of sleep. This winter time period will conclude on March 26, 2027, when the country will switch back to daylight saving time.

The change to winter time involves moving clocks backward by one hour. This adjustment results in losing an hour of daylight in the evening but gaining an hour of sleep. Most mobile phones automatically update the time based on the user's time zone. However, individuals who are unsure about their device's automatic update can manually adjust the time in their phone's settings. Cellular networks advise backing up important calendar events, as there's a possibility of disruptions to reminders and scheduled meetings.

For Android users, the time can be adjusted by navigating to Settings, then 'Date and Time,' disabling 'Automatic Date and Time,' selecting the correct time zone, and manually setting the time. The exact menu may vary slightly depending on the Android version. For iPhone users, the process involves going to Settings, then 'General,' selecting 'Date & Time,' turning off 'Set Automatically,' choosing the appropriate time zone, and manually setting the time.

The shift to winter time is mandated by the Time Determination Law, which stipulates that on the last Sunday of October each year, clocks are moved back one hour. This period is known as winter time, contrasting with daylight saving time, which begins on the last Friday of March when clocks are moved forward. The rationale behind these time changes is to align citizens' waking hours with sunrise, thereby conserving energy typically used for lighting.