Exact date clocks will go forward in 2025 as we finally enter spring

We're finally starting to see some bright mornings, and you may have been pleased to see some actual daylight on your way to work for the past few weeks.

But as we enter spring after a long cold lonely winter, many are beginning to wonder when the next big change of the season will occur- the clocks going forward and the start of British Summer Time (BST).

Although we'll technically lose an hour of sleep, the mornings will be even lighter from late this month as we skip an hour ahead into longer, brighter days.

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But why do the clocks change every autumn and spring? And when do they change this year? Here's everything you need to know about British Summer Time.

What is British Summer Time?

BST is also known as Daylight Saving Time, when the clocks move forward in the spring and backward in autumn. This change was originally intended to help people and farmers get the most sunlight throughout the year, and began during World War I when resources were limited.

In 1916, Germany became the first country to formally use daylight saving time to save on fuel during the First World War. The UK and several other European countries followed a few weeks later and daylight savings soon became the norm, with the US following in 1918.

The concept of British Summer Time was first established by the Summer Time Act 1916, after a campaign by builder William Willett. His original proposal was to move the clocks forward by 80 minutes, in 20-minute weekly steps on Sundays in April and by the reverse procedure in September.

Although we are no longer in wartime, the government has no plans to change the rules of British Summer Time.

Why does British Summer Time change every year?

Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) always begins on the last Sunday in October, when the clocks go back one hour at 2am. This system runs until British Summer Time, which always starts on the last Sunday in March, when clocks go forward at 1am.

As the clocks always move on a Sunday, the actual date of the change differs from year to year.

When does British Summer Time begin this year?

In 2025, British Summer Time will begin on March 30 at 1am and end on October 26 at 2am.