Romania switches to winter time: What citizens need to know about changing the clocks
Romania is preparing for the return to standard time, popularly known as "winter time." This seasonal time change occurs every year, in accordance with European regulations, to adapt daily schedules to natural sunlight during the cold season.
According to official announcements, the switch to winter time will take place on the night of October 24 to 25, 2026. At that time, clocks will be turned back by one hour, so that 04:00 will become 03:00. This change means that we will benefit from an extra hour of sleep that night.
The time change is a frequently discussed topic at the European Union level, with proposals to abandon this practice. However, until a final and unified decision is reached by member states, Romania continues to apply the mechanism of changing the time twice a year, in the months of March and October.
Experts advise citizens to be mindful of this transition, as the human body needs a short period of adaptation. Although most electronic devices, such as mobile phones and computers, update automatically, it is recommended to check the analog clocks in your home to ensure they are set correctly.