Daylight Saving Time in Switzerland

2026 Time Change Schedule

Time Until Next Change

Economic Impact of DST in Switzerland

The economic implications of Daylight Saving Time in Switzerland 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 5%.

However, the transition periods create temporary disruptions. Studies estimate that the Monday following the spring time change results in approximately $482 million in lost productivity nationwide due to sleep deprivation and adjustment issues.

Agricultural Considerations

Farmers in Switzerland 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

✓ Remember that not all countries change on the same date - check international meeting times carefully.

✓ Use the phrase 'Spring forward, fall back' to remember which direction to change your clocks.

✓ Update your car clock, microwave, and other manual clocks that don't auto-update.

✓ Check and replace smoke detector batteries when changing clocks - it's a good reminder!