On the night of 25 October 2026, Ukraine will switch from summer time to winter time. At 04:00, the clocks must be set back by one hour — to 03:00. The seasonal time change remains in force, as Bill No. 4201 to abolish it has not yet come into force. The night will be one hour longer.
Briefly about the main points
- The clocks will be turned back on the night of 25 October.
- After 03:59, it will be 03:00, and the night will last an hour longer.
- Smartphones and computers usually update the time automatically.
- The bill to abolish daylight saving time is still awaiting the President’s signature.
- A regular sleep pattern and morning light can make it easier to adjust.
What to check on the night of the transition
After 03:59, the clock will show 03:00 again. Smartphones, tablets, computers and other devices with automatic time zone settings will usually adjust the time without any action required from the user. However, this requires the correct time zone to be selected and the system to have up-to-date data.
Mechanical watches and devices without an automatic time-setting function need to be set manually. The recurring time slot between 03:00 and 04:00 should be taken into account by those working night shifts or who have tickets, bookings, online events or transactions tied to a specific time.
Following the change, sunrise and sunset will occur approximately one hour earlier than the clock indicates. Kyiv time will change from EEST (UTC+3) to EET (UTC+2).
Why does daylight saving time remain in force?
The Verkhovna Rada has passed Draft Law No. 4201 «On the Calculation of Time in Ukraine» in July 2024. The document provided for the abolition of daylight saving time, and on 21 August of that year it was submitted to the President for signature.
As at 3 October 2026, the parliamentary record for the bill has the status «Forwarded to the President for signature». The procedure for calculating time set out in Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 509 therefore remains in force.
The transition is synchronised with the calendar European Union: in EU countries daylight saving time It will also end on the last Sunday in October. There is no pan-European decision to abolish the seasonal time change.
How to adjust your sleep pattern to the new time
A one-hour time shift may temporarily affect circadian rhythms — the body’s internal biological clock, which is linked to sleep, alertness, appetite and mood. Possible symptoms include tiredness, reduced concentration, mood swings, changes in appetite and digestive discomfort.
The autumn time change, which gives us an extra hour’s sleep, is usually easier to cope with than the spring time change, although people react differently to changes in their usual routine. Research findings on the impact of seasonal time changes on health are mixed, so it is not advisable to regard such a change as unequivocally safe or harmful for everyone.
Sleep experts advise gradually adjusting your bedtime and wake-up time over a few days, and then sticking to a consistent routine. Morning daylight, walks and sufficient sleep can help with adjustment; in the evening, it is advisable to limit caffeine, alcohol and prolonged screen time. If severe insomnia, extreme drowsiness or a significant deterioration in your well-being persist, you should consult a doctor.
