Daylight saving time will start earlier in 2026 than in some previous years. Here's when the change will take effect, why the date varies each year, and what it means for sleep, bills, and daily habits.
In 2026, daylight saving time will start on the night between Saturday, March 28, and Sunday, March 29. At 2:00 a.m., clocks will be moved forward one hour, jumping straight to 3:00 a.m.
That means one hour less sleep, but days with more light in the late afternoon and evening.
Why 2026 comes first
Daylight saving time has no fixed date. In Italy, like the rest of the European Union, it starts on the last Sunday in March.
In 2026, the last Sunday will fall on March 29, a slightly earlier date than in other years when it can fall on March 30 or 31. This is therefore not a rule change, but simply a calendar effect.
How long does summer time last?
