Starting in 2026, the Canary Islands, along with the rest of Spain, will no longer participate in the biannual clock changes in hopes to increase productivity and well-being
For hundreds of years, Spain – like many other countries – has adhered to the twice-yearly ritual of changing clocks.
It’s a tradition that has existed for centuries with the aim of maximising natural daylight and reducing energy consumption. However, in recent years, this practice has faced growing criticism, with many questioning its effectiveness. Studies and public opinion have highlighted concerns over its impact on productivity, health, and overall well-being.
The decision to scrap daylight saving time was confirmed by Spain’s Official State Gazette (Boletín Oficial del Estado, BOE). While the change is officially set to take effect in 2026, there is a possibility that the date could be moved forward if expats and residents in the Canary Islands reach an agreement. Discussions about ending the biannual clock change have been ongoing for years, particularly as the Canary Islands currently operate on a time zone one hour behind mainland Spain. This difference has raised debates about whether maintaining two separate time zones within the country is necessary or beneficial.
What’s the purpose of changing clocks?
Each year, clocks go forward by one hour in the spring (March) and back by one hour in the autumn (October). The primary purpose of daylight saving time is to make better use of natural daylight, especially during the summer months. This means that during spring and summer, people experience longer daylight hours and shorter nights, while in autumn and winter, the opposite occurs, with longer nights and shorter days.
The concept of daylight saving time was first proposed in 1784 by Benjamin Franklin as a way to conserve energy. However, it wasn’t until 1916 that Germany became the first country to officially implement the practice, followed by the UK just weeks later. Over time, many nations adopted the system, believing it would lead to energy savings and increased productivity – but it seems to have done the opposite.
What happens next?
The final scheduled clock change in the Canary Islands will take place on 30th March 2025. After that, residents will no longer need to adjust their clocks for daylight saving time. Moving forward, the Spanish archipelago will operate on a stable time schedule, with hopes that this change will improve residents’ productivity, sleep patterns, and overall quality of life.
Once the Canary Islands officially eliminate daylight saving time, the distribution of daylight hours will change. This means that summer evenings will be longer, and winter mornings will have less daylight.
While some may welcome the consistency of a fixed time zone, others may take time to adjust to the new system. However, with many European nations considering similar moves, the decision by Spain and the Canary Islands may mark the beginning of scrapping the bi-annual clock change entirely.
