Spain is set to make its biannual time adjustment as the country prepares to switch from summer to winter schedule. The change will take place in the early hours of Sunday, October 26, when clocks will be turned back one hour at 3am in mainland Spain, reverting to 2AM. In the Canary Islands, clocks will move from 2am to 1am.
This autumn time change marks the end of the summer schedule that began in March, resulting in an unusual 25-hour day. The adjustment comes as Spain's major cities return to their regular rhythm following the summer holiday period, with most residents having already resumed their work routines and noticing the gradually shortening days.
Despite ongoing debates about the necessity of seasonal time changes, the Instituto Geográfico Nacional (ING) has confirmed that the practice will continue. The European Parliament and Commission have addressed this matter, though no definitive decision has been reached regarding its permanent abolition. The primary objective remains energy conservation, as established in current regulations.
While mainland Spain adjusts its clocks at 3am, the Canary Islands, operating on a different time zone, will make the change at 2am local time. This coordinated adjustment ensures that the time difference between these Spanish territories remains constant, maintaining the country's established time zone structure.
In the Balearic Islands, including Mallorca, clocks will also be turned back at 3 AM local time, just like mainland Spain. Residents and visitors in Mallorca can enjoy the extra hour in bed on Sunday morning, though shorter daylight hours will soon become noticeable as winter approaches.