Legal Time in Morocco: Return to GMT Set for September 20, 2026
The government has officially set the date for Morocco’s return to legal time (GMT). The decree regarding the time change was published in the official bulletin, confirming that the clocks will be set back one hour during the night of Saturday, September 19 to Sunday, September 20, 2026.
This decision follows an announcement made at the end of June by the head of government and falls within the regulatory framework governing legal time in Morocco.
Clocks Will Be Set Back One Hour
In accordance with decree n° 2.26.530, the time change will occur at 2:00 AM on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
At this precise time, the clocks will be set back by 60 minutes, changing the Kingdom’s time zone from GMT+1 to GMT. Therefore, when it is 2:00 AM, it will actually be 1:00 AM.
The text, adopted during a government council meeting on June 25, was published in the official bulletin on June 29, thereby formalizing this measure.
A Change Welcomed by Health Specialists
The return to GMT is positively received by various health professionals, who believe it allows for better alignment between daily schedules and the natural rhythm of sunlight.
According to these specialists, better synchronization with solar time could contribute to improved sleep quality, alertness, and overall well-being, especially among children, students, and workers.
They also believe that this adaptation encourages better respect for biological rhythms and limits some of the effects associated with the discrepancy between official time and the natural day-night cycle.
A Now Official Measure
With the publication of the decree in the official bulletin, the date for the return to GMT is now officially confirmed.
Citizens, administrations, businesses, and transport operators are thus invited to consider this change, which will take effect during the night of September 19 to 20, 2026.
