2026 Time Change Schedule
| Season | Date | Time | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 2026-03-29 | 2:00 AM | Clocks forward to 3:00 AM |
| Fall | 2026-10-25 | 2:00 AM | Clocks back to 1:00 AM |
Time Until Next Change
Economic Impact of DST in Portugal
The economic implications of Daylight Saving Time in Portugal are significant and multifaceted. Retail businesses often report increased sales during DST months due to extended evening daylight hours, which encourages shopping and dining out. The tourism and recreation industries particularly benefit, with golf courses, theme parks, and other outdoor venues seeing revenue increases of up to 4%.
However, the transition periods create temporary disruptions. Studies estimate that the Monday following the spring time change results in approximately $589 million in lost productivity nationwide due to sleep deprivation and adjustment issues.
Technology and Time Changes in 2026
Modern devices handle DST transitions automatically, but some systems still require manual updates. In 2026, ensure your smart home devices, car navigation systems, and older electronics are properly configured. Many IoT devices now use internet time servers for automatic updates, reducing the burden on users in Portugal.
IT departments should be particularly vigilant about server time synchronization, especially for systems handling financial transactions or time-sensitive operations.
Agricultural Considerations
Farmers in Portugal have historically had mixed feelings about DST. While the original justification for DST included giving farmers more daylight hours, modern farming practices rely heavily on the sun's position rather than clock time. Dairy farmers particularly note that cows don't adjust their biological clocks, creating temporary disruptions in milking schedules.
Preparation Tips
✓ Check and replace smoke detector batteries when changing clocks - it's a good reminder!
✓ Gradually adjust your sleep schedule a few days before the time change to minimize disruption.
✓ Consider the time change when scheduling meetings with people in other time zones.
✓ Set your clocks before going to bed to avoid confusion in the morning.