IN BRIEF
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Dear travelers, an important event is on the horizon! Tomorrow night, many countries will undergo the time change, a ritual that is not just about moving clocks back or forward but also affects your journeys. Between time zone changes and flight departure times, it’s best to be well-informed! Let’s discover together which countries are involved and what to know to avoid any surprises.
The time change is fast approaching! On the night of October 26 to 27, 2024, many countries will set their clocks back by one hour. Whether you’re heading out for a new adventure or planning your next stay, here’s everything you need to know about the affected countries and the specifics of this annual custom.
The time change in Europe: an anticipated moment
For our European friends, the switch to winter time means that it will be 2 o’clock instead of 3 o’clock on the night of Saturday, October 26 to Sunday, October 27. This little detour into an extra hour of sleep is welcome after a long week of work.
France, along with many other European countries, uses the UTC+1 time zone for winter time. This system is intuitive, but it is important to keep in mind that there are also other time zones across the continent. Western Europe, including Ireland and Portugal, operates on UTC, while Central Europe uses UTC+1. And let’s not forget Eastern Europe, where countries like Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Greece follow the UTC+2 time zone.
The European Union: a synchronization avoided
The European Union has been practicing time change in a harmonized manner since 1998. This means that all its member states, including Switzerland and Norway, as well as countries from the Balkans and even the United Kingdom, follow a similar schedule. It’s ideal for avoiding confusion related to time zone differences!
This coordination not only promotes economic exchanges, but also simplifies the lives of travelers across the continent. However, stay alert when planning your trips, especially if you are passing through several countries in a short period.
Around the world: a varied sample
Outside of Europe, habits regarding time change vary widely. Some countries have completely abandoned this practice in favor of a fixed hour throughout the year.
Countries such as Russia, Iceland, and Turkey have made this choice, as have the majority of nations in Asia and Africa. This allows them to simplify their time management but also to avoid disruptions related to biannual adjustments.
Other nations, however, still implement time change, but on varied dates. The United States and Canada, for example, will change their clocks on November 3, 2024, while Egypt will switch to winter time on November 1.
Countries such as Russia, Iceland, and Turkey have made this choice, as have the majority of nations in Asia and Africa. This allows them to simplify their time management but also to avoid disruptions related to biannual adjustments.
Other nations, however, still implement time change, but on varied dates. The United States and Canada, for example, will change their clocks on November 3, 2024, while Egypt will switch to winter time on November 1.
The specifics of the Middle East
In the Middle East, habits are equally varied. Lebanon and Israel follow a calendar similar to that of Europe, while Jordan and Syria have chosen to maintain summer time permanently. Additionally, Morocco adjusts its time changes according to the religious calendar, especially during Ramadan.
An uncertain future for time change in Europe
Despite a vote in the European Parliament in 2019 to abolish time change, the situation remains stalled. Concerns related to health, energy, and socio-economic impacts continue to spark intense debates among member states.
Southern countries, such as France, seem more inclined to adopt summer time year-round, while Nordic countries, like Sweden, prefer winter time. This divergence complicates the situation, making the implementation of a final decision even more complex.
For now, we must adjust our clocks in the affected countries and enjoy this extra hour of sleep. Get ready, dear travelers, your next adventure may well be influenced by this time change!