When to switch to winter time in 2025?

In autumn 2025, Ukraine will traditionally switch to winter time, and the country's residents will be able to sleep an hour longer. Despite discussions about abolishing seasonal clock changes, the transition remains an unchanging element of the calendar. Find out when exactly the clocks are changed, why this is done, and how to adapt to the new regime more easily

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In 2025, the switch to winter time in Ukraine will take place on the night from Saturday to Sunday, from 25 to 26 October. At four o'clock in the morning, the clocks will be set back one hour, and Ukrainians will be able to sleep an hour longer. This is a traditional transition that takes place annually on the last Sunday in October, and it symbolises the beginning of ‘winter’ time.

There were plans to abolish the clock change, but no decision has been made yet

Despite the fact that the Verkhovna Rada periodically discusses the issue of abolishing seasonal clock changes and establishing permanent time, the relevant bill has not yet been adopted. Therefore, Ukraine continues to adhere to the current order, synchronising its clocks with most European countries, where the transition to winter time also remains in place.

The need to change the clocks is explained by economic and social reasons. The main goal is to make more efficient use of daylight hours and save electricity, especially in the autumn and winter, when it starts to get dark earlier. This allows for longer use of natural light and maintains a unified transport and work schedule with neighbouring countries.

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Important facts about changing the clocks

Doctors note that the transition to winter time can be stressful for the body. In the first few days after the change, people often feel tired, sleepy or irritable. This is due to a disruption in biorhythms and the restructuring of the human internal ‘clock mechanism’. Experts advise gradually shifting sleep and wake-up times a few days before the changeover to make the adjustment smoother.

Modern electronic devices — smartphones, computers, smart watches — switch to the new time automatically, but owners of mechanical watches and older models of technology will need to do this manually. Therefore, when you wake up on the morning of 26 October, it is worth checking that the time displayed is correct so that you are not late for work or meetings.

So, in the autumn of 2025, Ukraine will again switch to winter time on the night of 26 October, maintaining its usual order. This ritual, although it causes annual controversy, remains part of a system that ensures consistency in schedules and a smooth transition to the winter season.

Reminder! Ukrainian cities are preparing for new challenges during large-scale power outages. Find out how the metro, buses and taxis will operate.

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