Daylight Savings Time in the Netherlands

A classic modern round clock with roman numerals, with a beige face, black numbers and black dials. The time is five past six. The clock is mounted to the left on a wooden slatter wall painted in a soft beige.

Twice a year, the Netherlands changes its clocks for Daylight Savings Time (DST), also known as zomertijd. Here’s everything expats need to know about when and why the clocks shift.

When Does Daylight Savings Time Start and End?

In the Netherlands, DST begins in March and ends in October. The exact dates for 2025 are:

Spring Forward: On Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 02:00 AM, clocks move forward by one hour to 03:00 AM.
Fall Back: On Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 03:00 AM, clocks move back by one hour to 02:00 AM.

Why Does the Netherlands Use Daylight Savings Time?

The main purpose of DST is to make better use of natural daylight, reducing energy consumption in the evening. The Netherlands has observed DST since 1977 as part of a Europe-wide effort to synchronize time changes.

How Does DST Affect Daily Life?

Longer daylight hours in summer mean more time for outdoor activities.
Shorter daylight hours in winter can affect sleep schedules.
Public transport and digital devices automatically adjust, but check any manual clocks.

Will Daylight Savings Time Be Abolished?

There has been ongoing debate in the EU about ending DST, but for now, the Netherlands continues to observe the time change. If changes occur in the future, they will be announced by the government.

For official updates, visit Rijksoverheid.nl.

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