Israel Shifts to Winter Time, Affecting Daylight Hours and Daily Routines

Israel will transition to winter time this coming Sunday, October 24, 2026, when clocks will be set back one hour from 2:00 AM to 1:00 AM. This annual change, mandated by law, means sunrise and sunset will occur an hour earlier according to the clock, reducing daylight hours after the typical workday. While the total amount of daylight in a 24-hour period remains unchanged, the timing shifts, with mornings becoming lighter earlier and afternoons darkening sooner.

The earlier sunset may impact consumer behavior, potentially reducing shopping and errands. A 2016 study by J.P. Morgan Chase Research Institute observed a 3.5% decrease in daily credit and debit card spending per capita in Los Angeles after the time change compared to Phoenix, which does not observe daylight saving time. This reduction was primarily due to fewer transactions, particularly on weekdays, suggesting that lost daylight after work influences shopping decisions.

While daylight saving time is often associated with energy savings due to reduced need for artificial lighting in the evenings, the overall impact on electricity consumption is complex. A study by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on Turkey's year-round daylight saving policy showed shifts in electricity usage patterns, with increased consumption in early mornings and decreased use in late afternoons, resulting in negligible overall daily consumption changes. The article notes that specific Israeli consumption habits and climate may yield different results, and no current Israeli estimate quantifies the economic impact of the time change.

The earlier onset of darkness can also affect mood. The National Institute of Mental Health in the U.S. links shorter daylight hours in autumn and winter to decreased mood and, in some cases, seasonal affective disorder (SAD). A Danish study from 1995-2012 indicated an 11% rise in hospital admissions for depressive episodes following the switch to winter time, though this effect diminished over several weeks. However, a February 2026 review of 157 studies across 36 countries found no consistent link between daylight saving time arrangements and psychiatric outcomes, suggesting no definitive basis for claiming winter time causes depression. For individuals experiencing persistent low mood, professional consultation is advised.