When does the time change take place in October 2024 ? What is the time of the switch ? Here is all the information to fully understand the transition to the winter time.
In October, the French face the change to winter time every year, marking the beginning of cooler and dimmer days, with shorter days. This weekend is when all the clocks will have to be set. The time change was introduced in France in 1976, at following the oil crisis with the aim of saving energy by making the most of daylight. Thus, by moving the clocks forward one hour at the start of spring, the need for lighting in the evening was reduced. This system was then harmonized at the European level in the 1990s, in order to facilitate trade between Member States.
When will the 2024 winter time change take place??
The next time change takes place on Sunday, October 27, 2024: on this date, France switches to winter time, like all countries in the European Union.
The time changes precisely at 3am on Sunday, October 27, 2024. At 3am, the clocks will have to be set back one hour to return to 2am. That night, an extra hour of sleep is therefore gained. The time was not chosen at random: the change is made at night to minimize disruptions to daily life, particularly with regard to transport and professional activities. This is a time when few people are active, which limits the inconvenience. Most electronic devices (smartphones, computers, televisions) update themselves automatically thanks to the internet clock. However, be careful with mechanical clocks, watches, some alarm clocks or household appliances, you have to think about adjust them manually quickly so as not to get scammed.
What time is it exactly in France ?
To allow everyone to find their way around before and after the summer time change, we have integrated this module into our page from the specialized site WebHorloge.fr, which displays Paris time live. This clock displays the exact time, taking into account the time changes.
Questions/Answers
12:36 – What tips to better adapt to the time change ?
To better adapt to the time change, it is advisable to prepare in advance by gradually adjusting your sleep schedule, for example by going to bed 15 to 30 minutes earlier or later in the days before the change. Exposure to natural light in the morning also helps to readjust the biological clock. It is also important to maintain a balanced diet and avoid stimulants like caffeine late in the day to promote good sleep. Finally, engaging in relaxing activities before bed, such as reading or meditating, can help with the transition.
09:32 – How to easily remember which way the time changes ?
We go back or forward ? Each time the clocks change, the question arises. There is, in fact, a very simple mnemonic device based on the name of the month. In October, we go back while in March we go forward. At 3 a.m., it will therefore only be 2 a.m., enough to sleep an extra hour.
08:15 – How to prepare your body for the time change ?
To prevent the time change from disrupting your rhythm too much, it is advisable to start adjusting your sleep schedule a few days before. By gradually shifting your bedtime and wake-up time by about fifteen minutes each day, you will allow your body to adapt more easily. Avoid screens before bed and expose yourself to natural light in the morning to help recalibrate your internal clock. A light evening meal and a calming routine can also help ease the transition.
Learn more
- Daylight Saving Time Change 2025 : Sunday, March 30, 2025
- Winter time change 2025 : Sunday, October 26, 2025
- Summer time change 2026 : Sunday, March 29, 2026
- Winter time change 2026 : Sunday, October 25, 2026
The change to standard time, with an hour of sleep “gained”, is often perceived as gentler than the change to summer time. It allows our bodies to return to a more natural rhythm, where sunrise coincides more with waking up. Studies have shown that standard time is closer to the internal biological clock of most people, which can contribute to better quality sleep and a more restful rest.
200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000The change between winter and summer time as we know it today was introduced by decree in 1975, following the oil crisis. It then involved introducing a summer time at GMT+2, i.e. a two-hour time difference with natural time, from the following March. Objective: to better coordinate natural lighting and human activities from spring onwards, to save energy.
The end of March is then chosen to coincide with the spring equinox, synonymous with the return of fine weather and longer days. The return to “normal” time (evening GMT+1) is logically set at the opposite as the autumn equinox approaches, i.e. at the end of October. The weekend, and in particular the night from Saturday to Sunday, will quickly appear to be the time when the immediate impact of the time change will be the most limited.
The seasonal time change was initiated by the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME), as the government agency responsible for ensuring optimizing the energy bill. In a 2010 synthesis, the organization still estimated the savings made the previous year at 440 GWh thanks to the time change.
The time change was harmonised across Europe in 1998 and is now applied by all EU Member States and 70 countries in total. However, it has been highly controversial for years. Its detractors point out above all the too limited energy gains, especially with the evolution of technologies and uses, as well as the negative effects on health, sleep and road safety.
No, the winter time change is not the last. In March 2019, after consultation, the European Parliament adopted a draft by a majority to end the time change, but it will not be implemented for several years. The draft directive provided for the elimination of the rapid time change: to do so, each Member State had to decide between remaining at winter time or stay on summer time. The European Parliament had also called for coordination between the Member States and the European Commission so that the application of permanent hours (winter and summer) in the different countries does not disrupt the functioning of the internal market.
The directive was to be adopted by the Council at the end of 2020, then transposed by the Member States, underlines the official Vie Publique website. However, due to the health crisis linked to Covid-19, Brexit, then the upheavals caused by the war in Ukraine, not to mention the hesitations of European leaders, the text in question on the end of the time change is no longer on the agenda “and should not be discussed in the near future”, concludes the French administration website. And once put back on the table, the debates are expected to be long: “It is up to each Member State to decide on the legal time it wishes to adopt”, the European Commission confirmed to Euronews in autumn 2022.
While the majority of French people have expressed their weariness with the time change and their desire to put an end to it, the debate on the time zone to adopt remains open. According to the consultation conducted by the National Assembly in 2019, 59% of respondents expressed their preference for permanent summer time, which would allow them to enjoy longer bright evenings. However, some health experts Public health officials warn against this option, arguing that permanent daylight saving time could disrupt sleep cycles and have health consequences.
The system of changing daylight saving time, the aim of which is to save energy, is very widespread in the countries of the northern hemisphere, but could be phased out in the coming years. The main reason is the harmful effects on our health. In total, around 70 countries around the world apply the time change. The United States, Canada, part of Australia, Brazil and Morocco still practice the switch to summer time today.
More infographics can be found on Statista
What are the time zones in the European Union ?
As stated on the official website of the European Council, “Member States have the option of choosing the time zone in which they wish to be located”. Today, there are three. The first concerns Western Europe with Ireland and Portugal. The second, Central Europe, which includes no fewer than 17 states. Finally, Eastern Europe, composed of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania and Romania.
Sources
- Service-public.fr : https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/actualites/A15539
- Council of the European Union : https://www.consilium.europa.eu/fr/policies/seasonal-time-changes/#:~:text=The%20directive%20currently%20in%20force,the%20last%20sunday%20of%27october.
- Statista: https://fr.statista.com/infographie/13334/les-pays-qui-ont-adopte-lheure-dete/#:~:text=Aux%20côtés%20des%20Européens%20sont,Maroc%20et%20quelques%20autres%20pays.
- Légifrance: http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/id/JORFTEXT000000500782
- Agence de l'environnement et de la gestion de l'énergie: https://presse.ademe.fr/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/impact-changement-heure-2010-synthese.pdf
- European Parliament: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-8-2019-0225_FR.html
- Senate: https://www.senat.fr/rap/r96-13/r96-13_mono.html#toc11
- International Federation of Chronobiological Societies: https://www.sf-chronobiologie.org/les-statuts-de-la-sfc/
- National Institute of Health and medical research: https://www.inserm.fr