Egypt to Advance Clocks by One Hour as Daylight Saving Time Begins May 1

Egypt is set to reintroduce daylight saving time at the start of May, with clocks scheduled to move forward by 60 minutes at midnight on Thursday, April 30, marking the official end of the winter time system.

Under the provisions of Law, the transition will take place as the clock strikes 12:00 a.m., instantly shifting to 1:00 a.m. on Friday, May 1. The change signals the beginning of the country’s summer time regime, which will remain in effect for the following six months.

The move comes as part of a broader government policy aimed at optimizing daylight use and reducing energy consumption during the longer days of summer.

Winter time for the current cycle began in late October 2025, when clocks were set back by one hour at midnight on October 30, extending nighttime hours in line with shorter daylight periods. That system will remain in place until the final hours of April 2026.

According to the law, Egypt alternates between winter and summer time annually, with each period lasting approximately six months. Winter time starts on the last Friday of October, while daylight saving time begins on the last Friday of April.

The adjustment, though routine, has wide-reaching implications for daily life, affecting work schedules, school hours, transportation timetables, and business operations nationwide.

Officials advise citizens and institutions to prepare for the shift to avoid disruptions, particularly in sectors dependent on precise timing, including aviation, banking, and telecommunications.

With the countdown underway, the return to daylight saving time marks a seasonal transition that continues to shape the rhythm of life across the country.