Time change in the fall of 2025: will Ukraine switch to winter time?
21 October 13:24
For many years, Ukraine and most European countries have been changing their clocks twice a year: in March and October each year. This practice was originally introduced to save energy by making better use of daylight. However, current research shows that it yields almost no real energy savings and can have a negative impact on health, so there is an active debate about whether to keep this practice.
Last year, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine decided to abolish seasonal daylight saving time, but the law did not come into force because President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has not yet signed the bill. So, most likely, this year Ukraine will continue to follow the usual procedure of switching to winter time.
Switching to winter time in 2025: when Ukrainians change their clocks
In 2025, the transition to winter time will take place on the night of October 25-26. At 4:00 a.m., the clocks will need to be set back one hour, so it will be 3:00 a.m. again right after 3:59 a.m.
This way, Ukrainians will get an extra hour of sleep and will be able to recover, as clocks always change on the last Sunday of October.
At the same time, it will get darker in the evening after the change of time.
What to keep in mind when changing clocks
When planning a trip, it’s important to remember that train and bus schedules are made with time changes in mind.
Travelers should check their tickets and possible schedule changes in advance to avoid confusion.
Mechanical clocks need to be set manually, while smartphones, computers, and most digital devices usually switch to the new time automatically.
Why Ukraine plans to cancel daylight saving time
Currently, about 70 countries around the world, including the United States and most European Union member states, still follow the practice of changing their clocks twice a year. However, there is a growing debate around the world as to whether this practice should continue.
Scientific studies have shown that changing clocks even by one hour can disrupt the circadian rhythm of the human body, which can cause jet lag-like reactions, including headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, and irritability.
Doctors also report an increase in the number of strokes and heart attacks shortly after the change to winter time. According to doctors, the body may need several weeks to fully recover.
The argument about saving electricity has also lost its relevance, as in the modern world, electricity consumption remains constant throughout the day. This is due to the round-the-clock use of lighting, appliances, and technology.
For most modern economies, seasonal daylight saving time is no longer practical.
Author: Olya Yushko
