This weekend, Spain will implement the change to summer time, a practice that has raised increasing doubts about its actual benefits. On the night of Saturday, March 29, 2025, to Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 2:00 AM (1:00 AM in the Canary Islands), clocks will need to be set forward one hour, moving directly to 3:00 AM (2:00 AM in the Canary Islands). This adjustment means sleeping 60 minutes less that night.
The time change is applied in almost all of Europe, with notable exceptions such as Russia, Belarus, Turkey, and Iceland. Starting on Sunday, March 30, 2025, both sunrise and sunset will occur one hour later, and as spring progresses, the days will gradually lengthen from the current 12 and a half hours to exceed 15 hours of daylight during summer.
A recent international study featuring Professor Darío Acuña from the University of Granada has highlighted the negative impact of these time changes on health. The research warns about disruptions in human circadian rhythms, recommending the maintenance of winter time as it is considered more balanced. The study argues that the natural variations in light throughout the year are gentle enough to allow human adaptation, a balance that the shift to summer time disrupts.
Most modern electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs, automatically update their time thanks to the Network Time Protocol (NTP). However, devices not connected to the internet—like wall clocks, wristwatches, some household appliances, and certain vehicles—will require manual adjustment.
The time change was first implemented in Spain in 1918, but the current practice is a legacy of the 1970s oil crisis, when it was adopted as a measure to reduce energy consumption. Despite this historical context, the Institute for Diversification and Energy Saving (IDAE) has stated that there are no recent studies confirming the supposed energy benefits of the time change in the current context. "The last study dates back to 2015, and in no case has the impact of the time change been analyzed in a context like the current one," they indicated in statements to Europa Press.
Moreover, the International Time Use Initiative (TUI) has expressed support for abolishing the biannual time changes and collaborates with the European Parliament to analyze their effects. The most recent report prepared in 2018 by the Committee on Industry, Research, and Energy of the European Parliament indicates that any potential savings are marginal and can vary significantly between EU member states. While energy consumption for lighting may decrease, heating consumption could potentially increase, complicating the interpretation of results due to external factors such as weather or user behavior.
The current regulations, outlined in Order PCM/186/2022 of the BOE, establish that summer time will extend until October 26, 2025. The document also specifies that March 30, 2024, and March 29, 2026, are the last scheduled dates for the application of summer time. However, this does not necessarily mean an end to the biannual time changes.
As the debate continues, uncertainty looms over the short-term future of time changes in Spain and across Europe. While most European countries will advance their clocks this Sunday, the conversation around the necessity and effectiveness of this practice remains active, with many advocating for a reevaluation of its relevance in today’s society.
In everyday life, the effects of the time change will be felt immediately on Sunday, March 30, 2025, as daylight will last longer into the evening. This extended daylight can positively influence leisure activities, allowing more time for sports, cultural engagements, and commercial activities, which is particularly relevant for tourism in Spain.
However, critics argue against the twice-a-year clock adjustment, citing negative health effects such as sleep disturbances and fatigue. They note that much of the Iberian Peninsula remains on Central European Time, despite being situated in the Western European Time zone. This misalignment can lead to a mismatch between natural light and darkness hours, further complicating the human experience of time.
Historically, the first time change in Spain was implemented in 1918, and after a sporadic application until 1949, the practice ceased from 1950 until 1973. The urgency to reinstate summer time in 1974 was a response to the energy crisis triggered by rising oil prices. The European Economic Community published its first directive regarding time changes in 1980, aiming to standardize practices across member countries.
As Spain prepares for this year’s time change, the ongoing discussions highlight the complexities and implications of adjusting our clocks. Whether for energy savings, health impacts, or social convenience, the debate over the necessity of the time change continues to evolve, reflecting broader societal values and priorities.
