The tricky thing about the time in the Netherlands is that it’s always changing — or at least twice a year, when Daylight Saving Time starts and ends. ⏰
Daylight Saving Time can be tricky, especially in the Netherlands, where it isn’t always obvious when you’ve entered a new season (thanks, irregular weather). 🙄
So, if you want to stay up to date with Daylight Saving Time in the Netherlands, read on! 👇
Does the Netherlands have Daylight Saving Time?
In a nutshell, yes, the Netherlands has Daylight Saving Time. That means twice a year, the clock is set an hour forward or back.
It also means that every time we switch to winter time, it’s super common to hear: “Wow! How is it so dark already?!” 😩
Time zones in the Netherlands
The Netherlands has one standard time zone: CET (Central European Time), and another one during Daylight Saving Time: CEST (Central European Summer Time).
The standard time zone of the Netherlands, CET (Central European Time), is one hour ahead of UTC (Universal Time Coordinated).
Technically, winter time is the “real” time. Dutch law sets Central European Time as the standard time, according to the Dutch government, and summer time is the seasonal exception.
More specifically, the standard time zone changes to CEST (Central European Summer Time) when the clock moves one hour forward in March, which kicks off the season of Daylight Saving. ☀️
Upcoming clock changes in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, Daylight Saving Time begins on the last Sunday of March and ends on the last Sunday of October.
Here are the next few switches. ⏰
Your phone and laptop will sort themselves out. Your oven, microwave and car dashboard probably won’t.
Why does the Netherlands use Daylight Saving Time?
The idea is to line up daylight with the hours most people are actually awake, so you get lighter evenings in summer. It was also supposed to save energy on lighting, although Weeronline points out that this effect is disputed.
READ MORE | The Dutch and time: how their language shows they are planning maniacs
When the Netherlands brought summer time back in 1977, the main reason was practical. Other European countries had switched to save energy, and the Dutch government wanted to keep the same time as its neighbours.
Moving the clock one hour back gives workers who depend on sunlight more working hours in the morning, so they can profit from those powerful light beams! ☀️
A short history of Daylight Saving Time in the Netherlands
Germany became the first country in the world to introduce summer time on April 30, 1916, in the middle of the First World War. The Netherlands, which stayed neutral in that war, followed just one day later on May 1.
From 1916 to 1939, the Dutch switched between summer and winter time every year.
Things got messier after Germany invaded in May 1940. During the occupation, the Netherlands was put on Central European Time, with summer time on top. From 1940 to 1942, it was summer time all year round, before seasonal clock changes returned between 1943 and 1945.
After the war, the Netherlands kept Central European Time as its standard time but scrapped summer time. From 1946 to 1976, the clocks didn’t change at all.
Summer time returned in 1977 in the wake of the oil crisis. Clock changes have been regulated at EU level since 1980, and today’s dates have applied since 1981.
Debate over Daylight Saving Time in the Netherlands
Not everyone is on the same page when it comes to having Daylight Savings in the Netherlands.
In 2018, the European Commission proposed ending seasonal clock changes, after 84% of respondents to a public consultation backed the idea, the Commission said at the time. Each country would then choose between permanent summer time and permanent winter time.
The European Parliament voted in favour in 2019. But the plan then stalled in the Council of the EU, where national governments have to agree.
In 2025, Poland (then holding the EU presidency) proposed a two-year EU-wide trial of permanent summer time, but member states asked for more analysis first. The European Commission launched a study in February 2026, which is expected to wrap up by the end of 2026, according to a Council document.
Will the Netherlands ever get rid of Daylight Saving Time?
The Dutch government hasn’t picked a side. It wants a time system that’s harmonised across the EU as much as possible, and it particularly values staying in step with the Benelux countries and Germany, the cabinet said.
That being said, many people find changing their clocks twice a year quite a fuss. It can also have negative effects on people’s mental and physical health, such as sleep deprivation and a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases.
So, until now, the Netherlands will keep practising DST, and, each year, people will keep getting surprised at how it gets dark so early in the day.
Are you for or against Daylight Saving Time in the Netherlands? Tell us why in the comments below! 👇
Daylight Saving in the Netherlands: Frequently asked questions
Does the Netherlands do Daylight Saving?
Yes, the Netherlands does Daylight Saving Time. The clock moves forward on the last Sunday of March and backwards on the last Sunday of October.
When do the clocks go back in the Netherlands in 2026?
On Sunday, October 25, 2026. At 3 AM, the clocks go back to 2 AM.
When do the clocks go forward in the Netherlands in 2027?
On Sunday, March 28, 2027. At 2 AM, the clocks jump forward to 3 AM.
What time zone does the Netherlands use?
The Netherlands uses Central European Time as the standard time zone and switches to Central European Summer Time when Daylight Saving Time is activated.
How does Daylight Saving work in the Netherlands?
Each year, the clock moves one hour forward on the last Sunday of March, marking the start of Daylight Saving Time and moves back one hour to the standard Central European Time on the last Sunday of October.
When do clocks go back in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands, clocks go back one hour on the last Sunday of October.
When do clocks go forward in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands, clocks move one hour forward on the last Sunday of March.
Does the Netherlands have two time zones?
Yes, technically. Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba (the Caribbean Netherlands) are special municipalities of the Netherlands. Bonaire is on Atlantic Standard Time (UTC-4) all year and doesn’t use Daylight Saving Time.