Israel prepares for the transition to winter time: everything you need to know
Winter is approaching, and with it comes the annual change in the State of Israel's schedule. As every year, the country's citizens will switch from daylight saving time to winter time, a move that will affect the hours of daylight and darkness throughout the day.
The official transition to winter time will take place on the night between Saturday and Sunday, October 25, 2026. At 02:00 AM, the clock hands must be moved one hour back, so that the time will be 01:00 AM.
The immediate implication of this change is that the sun will set earlier in the evening, and the morning will begin earlier. This change is intended to align the public's activity hours with the natural daylight hours during the cold winter period.
Most digital clocks on smartphones and computers update automatically, but it is recommended to verify that the devices are indeed displaying the correct time on Sunday morning. Analog clocks must be adjusted manually.
For many, the transition to winter time marks the official start of the winter season in Israel. It is recommended to prepare for the change in advance and adjust your daily routine to the new hours.