Daylight Savings Time Changes in Western Sahara 🇪🇭 (2023)
Western Sahara does not observe daylight saving time; clocks stay on UTC+1 all year round.
| Country: | Western Sahara |
| Capital: | Laayoune (El Aaiun) |
| Abbreviations: | EH, ESH |
| IANA Time Zones: | 1 |
| Dial Code: | +212 |
Daylight Savings Time Schedule and Information
Before
02
:
59
After
02
:
00
19 MAR
19 Mar 2023 - Daylight Saving Time Ends
When local standard time is about to reach Sunday, 19 March 2023, 02:59 clocks are turned backward 1 hour to
Sunday, 19 March 2023, 02:00 local standard time instead.
Sunrise and sunset will be about 1 hour earlier on 19 Mar 2023 than the day before. There will be more light in the morning.
Also called Fall Back.
Before
01
:
59
After
03
:
00
23 APR
23 Apr 2023 - Daylight Saving Time Starts
When local standard time is about to reach Sunday, 23 April 2023, 01:59 clocks are turned forward 1 hour to
Sunday, 23 April 2023, 03:00 local daylight time instead.
Sunrise and sunset will be about 1 hour later on 23 Apr 2023 than the day before. There will be more light in the evening.
Also called Spring Forward.
DST Changes Summary for Western Sahara
| Date | Year | Change | Time | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Feb | 2026 | Back 1 hour | 02:59 ➜ 02:00 | Daylight Saving End |
| 22 Mar | 2026 | Forward 1 hour | 01:59 ➜ 03:00 | Daylight Saving Start |
| 7 Feb | 2027 | Back 1 hour | 02:59 ➜ 02:00 | Daylight Saving End |
| 14 Mar | 2027 | Forward 1 hour | 01:59 ➜ 03:00 | Daylight Saving Start |
| 23 Jan | 2028 | Back 1 hour | 02:59 ➜ 02:00 | Daylight Saving End |
| 5 Mar | 2028 | Forward 1 hour | 01:59 ➜ 03:00 | Daylight Saving Start |
| 14 Jan | 2029 | Back 1 hour | 02:59 ➜ 02:00 | Daylight Saving End |
| 18 Feb | 2029 | Forward 1 hour | 01:59 ➜ 03:00 | Daylight Saving Start |
| 30 Dec | 2029 | Back 1 hour | 02:59 ➜ 02:00 | Daylight Saving End |
| 10 Feb | 2030 | Forward 1 hour | 01:59 ➜ 03:00 | Daylight Saving Start |
| 22 Dec | 2030 | Back 1 hour | 02:59 ➜ 02:00 | Daylight Saving End |
| 26 Jan | 2031 | Forward 1 hour | 01:59 ➜ 03:00 | Daylight Saving Start |
Read More About Daylight Savings Time
Common Questions about Daylight Savings Time Changes in Western Sahara
Does Western Sahara use Daylight Saving Time in 2023?
Yes, Western Sahara observes Daylight Saving Time during the 2023 calendar year. The country follows the practice of shifting clocks to better align waking hours with the available evening sunlight during the spring and summer months.
When do the clocks change next in Western Sahara?
The next scheduled time transition in Western Sahara will take place on Sunday, 19 March 2023. At 02:59 local time, clocks will be turned backward by 1 hour. This specific change marks the transition to daylight saving time ends.
Does all of Western Sahara follow the same time change schedule?
Yes, Western Sahara follows a single, unified schedule. Every region across the country transitions to and from Daylight Saving Time at the exact same moment, ensuring a consistent time standard nationwide.
How will the next transition affect the day in Western Sahara?
Following the shift on 19 Mar 2023, you will notice that there is more light in the morning compared to the day before. While the transition may temporarily disrupt sleep patterns, the primary goal of this backward shift is to maximize usable daylight for the population.
Frequently Asked Questions about DST in Western Sahara
Does Western Sahara observe Daylight Saving Time?
Yes, Western Sahara observes Daylight Saving Time. Clocks shift forward in spring and back in autumn, giving an extra hour of evening daylight during the warmer months.
When does DST start in Western Sahara in 2023?
In 2023, Daylight Saving Time begins in Western Sahara on March 19, 2023 at 02:59 local time. Clocks spring forward by one hour at this moment.
When does DST end in Western Sahara in 2023?
In 2023, Daylight Saving Time ends in Western Sahara on April 23, 2023 at 01:59 local time. Clocks fall back by one hour, returning to standard time.
When is the next time change in Western Sahara?
The next clock change in Western Sahara is on March 19, 2023, when clocks will fall back by one hour.
What time zone is Western Sahara on after DST ends?
After DST ends, Western Sahara returns to its standard time zone, Africa / El Aaiun (Africa/El_Aaiun). Standard time is the country's year-round baseline; DST adds one hour to that during the warmer months.
Why does Western Sahara use Daylight Saving Time?
Like most countries that observe DST, Western Sahara shifts its clocks to make better use of evening daylight during the summer months, which can reduce electricity demand and shift outdoor activity later into the day. The savings are modest and debated, but the practice remains widespread in mid- and high-latitude countries.