Time change and diving: Your guide for 2025 and 2026

The clocks change twice a year – and for us divers, this has more consequences than you might think. Anyone planning a trip to Dahab or Hamata should be aware of the dates for Europe and Egypt so that they are not caught off guard by changed flight times or unexpected lighting conditions when diving.

The next changeover dates in Europe and Egypt

Europe (e.g. Germany, Austria, Switzerland):

• Autumn 2025: Sunday, 26 October – clocks are set back from 3:00 a.m. CEST to 2:00 a.m. CET.
• Spring 2026: Sunday, 29 March – clocks are set forward from 2:00 CET to 3:00 CEST.
• Autumn 2026: Sunday, 25 October – clocks go back from 3:00 a.m. CEST to 2:00 a.m. CET.

Egypt (including Sinai, Red Sea):

• Autumn 2025: Thursday, 30 October – end of summer time, clocks go back one hour (GMT+3 → GMT+2).
• Spring 2026: Friday, 24 April – Start of summer time, clocks forward one hour (UTC+2 → UTC+3).
• Autumn 2026: Friday, 30 October – end of summer time, clocks go back one hour.

Important: Europe and Egypt do not change their clocks on the same day. This causes a temporary shift in the time difference during the transition weeks.

Effects on diving and lighting conditions

Sunrises and sunsets are spectacular in Sinai. But after a change, they suddenly appear an hour “earlier” or “later” on the clock. For early morning dives, this means that your dive may start significantly darker or lighter than expected in the new schedule. Night dives also benefit from knowing the exact time of twilight.

The difference can be particularly noticeable in gorges or on steep slopes, because shaded areas remain dark for longer. If you are taking photos or videos, it is essential to synchronise your camera and computer time.

Dive centre, boats and briefings

Diving centres always operate according to local time. After a changeover, briefings, departures and return times are automatically rescheduled according to the new time. Nevertheless, it is worth checking whether the centre clearly communicates the changeover time. Especially on the changeover weekend, it is a good idea to check with the team so that no one misses a trip.

Flight times and transfers

Airlines always give departure and arrival times in local time. When Europe and Egypt change to daylight saving time on different days, this can change the difference by one hour. A flight that usually takes four hours suddenly appears to take five hours on the ticket – without the actual flight time changing.

You should bear this in mind:

• Check your tickets carefully: Times can be confusing, especially on the nights when the changeover takes place.
• Allow for buffer time during transfers: Discuss with taxi or shuttle drivers whether they can accommodate the new schedule.
• Pay attention to night flights: If your flight departs during the night of the changeover, an hour could be “missing” or counted twice.

Practical tips for divers

1. Set devices: Ensure that your smartphone, camera and dive computer are correctly set to the local time.
2. Check with your dive centre: Clarify with your dive centre what time applies on the night of the changeover.
3. Observe no-fly time: When flying after diving, be sure to include the correct local time in your calculations.
4. Keep your logbook tidy: Ensure consistent timestamps in your entries and photographs.
5. Stay calm: Plan ahead and see the time change as a little change of pace – not as a source of stress.

Fazit

The time change may seem annoying, but it also affects how we dive, travel and experience the day. If you know the exact dates for Europe and Egypt, you can plan lighting conditions, flights and briefings with ease. This allows you to remain flexible and fully enjoy your diving adventure in the Red Sea.

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Overview of the time change dates for 2025–2027

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