Santiago, Chile – Chile will revert to its standard time zone on Saturday, April 4, 2026, as the country concludes its seven-month period of daylight saving time, known locally as *horario de verano*. The shift will require most residents to turn their clocks back one hour.
The current daylight saving time regime began on September 6, 2025, with clocks advanced by 60 minutes. The practice, established by law, aims to maximize daylight hours during the spring and summer months. According to a statement from the Ministry of the Interior and Security Public, the policy is intended to better utilize sunlight during those seasons.
However, the time change will not be universally observed across the nation. As in previous years, the regions of Aysén and Magallanes, along with Chilean Antarctica, will remain on summer time year-round. This exception acknowledges the unique latitude and daylight patterns of the country’s southernmost territories, preventing disruption to daily routines in those areas. The decision to exempt these regions dates back to 2017, when a permanent summer time schedule was adopted for them.
The change to winter time will occur at 24:00 hours on April 4th, marking the official end of the *horario de verano* for the majority of Chile. The government’s official timekeeping website, Hora Oficial, maintained by the Chilean Navy, will provide accurate time information during the transition.
The implementation of daylight saving time in Chile has historically been a subject of public debate, with discussions surrounding its impact on health, productivity, and daily life. The current schedule is set to remain in effect until the next change to daylight saving time on the first Saturday of September 2026.