Daylight Saving Time Changes in Northern Cyprus
In Northern Cyprus, the transition to summer and winter time is carried out annually. This process is regulated by a government decree and is synchronized with the schedule of most European countries. The clock change affects the operating hours of government institutions, pharmacies, and educational establishments.
Transition to Summer Time
In Spring 2026, clocks will be moved forward by one hour during the night from Saturday to Sunday — on the last weekend of March, March 29, 2026. At 03:00, the clocks will be set to 04:00.
This means that daylight hours will be longer, and work, school, and bank schedules will shift one hour earlier. The transition to summer time allows for longer use of daylight and energy savings — this is why the practice continues on the island to this day.
Transition to Winter Time
In Autumn 2026, Northern Cyprus will return to winter time — the clocks will be set back during the night from Saturday to Sunday, October 25, 2026. At 04:00, the clocks will be turned back one hour to 03:00.
After this, work and school days will again start later, and daylight hours will shorten. Typically, during this period, the operating hours of government institutions and pharmacies also change.
Frequently Asked Questions about Clock Changes
Why are clocks changed at all?
The main purpose of the transition to summer and winter time is the rational use of daylight. This reduces the load on power grids and helps cut energy costs, especially in summer when days are longer.
Why does Northern Cyprus continue to change the clocks when Turkey has stopped?
In 2016, Turkey indeed stopped changing the clocks, and Northern Cyprus initially followed this example. However, since 2017, the TRNC government decided to return to the European system to synchronize schedules with Europe — this is important for international universities, aviation, and the banking sector.
Do pharmacy working hours change in winter?
Yes, pharmacies switch to the winter schedule before the official clock change. This usually happens in mid-September — for example, in 2025, the change occurred on September 22. The current schedule can be viewed on the official website of the Pharmacists’ Association Kıbrıs Türk Eczacılar Birliği or in our article.
Do government institution working hours change?
Yes, government offices operate on different schedules in summer and winter. In summer — from early morning to lunchtime (usually 08:00–14:30) to avoid the heat, and in winter — on the standard schedule (08:00–16:00). Details are available in the article on summer working hours of TRNC government institutions.
What time is currently observed in Northern Cyprus?
Northern Cyprus uses the following time zones:
- Summer Time: GMT+3 (March – October)
- Winter Time: GMT+2 (October – March)
Smartphones and computers usually adjust the time automatically, so manual correction is not required.
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I am a person who is not afraid to change life when my heart tells me that something greater lies ahead. I am originally from Belarus. I have journeyed from pedagogical and economic education to the financial sector and many years of work in logistics — a world where everything moves, changes,…