Latvia to switch to winter time unusually early this year, on 25 October

Latvia will move from summer to winter time this autumn, and the date falls unusually early. Clocks must be turned back at 4:00 on 25 October, to 3:00.

The change takes place on the last Sunday of October, which this year comes earlier than usual. Last year the clocks were changed on 26 October, in 2024 on 27 October, and in 2021 as late as 31 October.

What governs the clock change

In Latvia the procedure is set by Cabinet of Ministers regulations of 26 October 2010 titled "On the transition to summer time". In the European Union it is governed by a directive of the European Parliament and the Council of 19 January 2001, which sets the start and end of summer time uniformly for all member states.

Debate over abolition

The Ministry of Economics notes that the EU has discussed ending the clock change, but no common decision has been made. Many member states believe that a full impact assessment, including costs and other aspects, is needed before agreeing to abandon seasonal changes. Latvia therefore continues to follow the existing procedure.

In March 2026 the European Commission confirmed that it is still analysing the issue. A Commission representative said member states remain without consensus, though the possibility of a coordinated solution remains. The Commission has launched a new study on the consequences of abandoning seasonal clock changes, along with consultations with stakeholders and member states. The study is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

What to expect next time

If nothing changes, the switch to summer time will take place on 28 March 2027, the last Sunday of March, at 3:00, with clocks moved one hour forward. On most modern smartphones, computers and other internet-connected devices, the time changes automatically.

Summer time was first introduced in Latvia in 1981.