Does Norway use daylight saving time, and when do the clocks change?
When the clocks go forward and back in Norway, and whether the change will end.
Short answer
Yes, Norway uses daylight saving time, moving the clocks forward one hour on the last Sunday in March and back one hour on the last Sunday in October. In 2026 summer time ends on Sunday 25 October, when the clocks go back from 03:00 to 02:00. The next change is on 28 March 2027, from 02:00 to 03:00.
Why
- The rules are set in the Norwegian regulation on summer time (forskrift om sommertid), which implements the EU summer-time directive 2000/84/EC.
- The directive sets the start at 01:00 GMT on the last Sunday in March and the end at 01:00 GMT on the last Sunday in October, which is 02:00 and 03:00 in Norway.
- Norway reintroduced summer time in 1980, after an earlier trial in 1959–1965, according to Store norske leksikon.
Details
Standard time in Norway is one hour ahead of universal time (UTC+1), and summer time is two hours ahead (UTC+2). The European Commission proposed ending seasonal clock changes in 2018, but on 26 March 2026 the Norwegian government wrote that the matter had still not been finally decided in the EU. Until a decision is made, Norway keeps changing the clocks twice a year.
Tip
Phones and computers adjust automatically, but clocks in cars and on ovens do not, so check them on the Sunday of the change.
Common misconception
The EU has abolished daylight saving time, so Norway no longer changes the clocks.
What actually happens
The 2018 proposal has not been adopted. In March 2026 the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries wrote that the matter is still with the Council of the EU and that it is unclear when it will be concluded.
People also ask
- Does Norway have daylight saving time?
- When do the clocks go forward and back in Norway?
- Does Norway change the clocks for summer time, and when?
- When do the clocks change in Norway?
Sources
- Government of Norway: Remember summer time on Sunday (26 March 2026)Checked at:
- Government of Norway: Remember to change the clocks (23 October 2025)Checked at:
- Government of Norway, EEA note: Directive on ending seasonal clock changesChecked at:
- EUR-Lex: Directive 2000/84/EC on summer-time arrangementsChecked at:
- Store norske leksikon: Summer timeChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check the Norwegian government's website (regjeringen.no) before you travel.
Related questions
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What does 'there is no bad weather, only bad clothing' mean in Norway?
The saying means that bad weather is no reason to stay indoors, because the right clothes let you enjoy being outside in rain, wind or cold.
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Do I need sunscreen in Norway?
Yes, you need sunscreen in Norway, especially in spring and summer, on snow in the mountains and on the water, where reflection makes UV radiation stronger.
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Do I need ice grips (brodder) on my shoes in a Norwegian winter?
Ice grips, called brodder in Norwegian, are worth packing for a winter trip, because temperatures around freezing often leave pavements and paths icy.
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What shoes should I bring to Norway?
Bring sturdy shoes that handle rain and rough paths, and in winter warm boots with room for wool socks and a good grip on ice.