Every year, on two occasions, the time changes. With the farewell to long, sunny days and the change of season, winter time is about to arrive. In fact, it’s already this weekend, so don’t forget to turn your clocks back an hour.
This means that, in practice, the sleepiest of us will be able to stay wrapped up in the comfort of our blankets a little longer. Although there is no consensus on the subject, whether you like it or not, what is certain is that adjustments to the timetable are coming. But when specifically? And what are the reasons for this?
Winter time in mainland Portugal (and beyond)
First of all, it’s important to specify when the winter timetable comes into force. In Portugal, as in the rest of the European Union (EU), the change begins on the last Sunday in October.
So, in the early hours of Saturday to Sunday, from October 26 to 27, at 2 a.m. you should set your clocks back one hour in mainland Portugal and the Autonomous Region of Madeira. In the Azores, the change takes place at 1:00 am.
What are the reasons for this change?
There are various explanations used to justify this practice, whether for historical and/or sustainable reasons, such as:
- Making the most of sunlight: maximizing the use of daylight
- Energy saving: aligning human activities with daylight
- European legislation: the time change complies with an EU directive
Whatever the reasons, don’t forget to set your watch back an hour!