Daylight saving time in Chile is a measure implemented twice a year to optimize the use of sunlight and improve energy efficiency. This practice will continue in 2025, so it's important to know when the adjustment will take place, in which regions it applies, and what its impacts are.
Why does the time change take place in Chile?
The adjustment of daylight saving time in Chile dates back to 1968, and its main justification is energy savings . The idea is to take advantage of natural light during productive hours and reduce electricity consumption. However, it is also argued that this change helps improve safety, as the longer summer days allow for greater visibility on public roads.
Despite these benefits, there are also criticisms of the time change. Several studies have suggested that it can affect people's biological rhythms, cause sleep disturbances, and reduce productivity in the first few days after the change.
When is the daylight saving time change in 2025?
The changeover to winter time in Chile in 2025 will take place on Saturday, April 5, 2025. At that time, clocks will need to be set back one hour , as follows:
At midnight , the clocks will move to 11:00 pm of the previous day.
This adjustment applies throughout Chile , with the exception of the Magallanes Region and Chilean Antarctica , which maintain daylight saving time permanently.
With this change, the days will have more light in the morning, but it will get dark earlier.
When is Daylight Saving Time in 2025?
The changeover to daylight saving time in Chile in 2025 will occur on Saturday, September 6, 2025. At that time, clocks will need to be moved forward one hour , following this schedule:
At 00:00 hours , the clocks will move to 01:00 hours .
This change applies to all regions of the country, except Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica, which maintain their regular operating hours.
This setting allows you to enjoy longer days and take better advantage of natural light in the evenings.
Regions of Chile that maintain fixed time
The Magallanes and Chilean Antarctic Regions have not participated in the time change since 2017. These areas maintain daylight saving time year-round to avoid changes in population routines and facilitate daily life in a territory where changes in sunlight are more extreme.
What are the effects of daylight saving time?
The time change has an impact on different areas:
1. Impact on health
It can affect the circadian rhythm and cause sleep disturbances.
Some people experience fatigue, lack of concentration, and irritability in the days following the change.
Studies have indicated that there may be a slight increase in cardiovascular problems due to sleep dysregulation.
2. Effect on energy savings
Daylight saving time is supposed to help reduce electricity consumption, but this impact is currently lessened due to new consumer habits and energy-efficient technologies.
3. Security and mobility
During daylight saving time, longer evenings improve visibility and reduce transportation risks.
During winter, shorter days can increase the perception of insecurity on the streets.
Will the time change continue in Chile?
The debate over the continuation of daylight saving time continues. The possibility of eliminating seasonal adjustment and opting for a year-round fixed time, as is the case in Magallanes, has been considered on several occasions. However, the daylight saving time system will continue to operate in most of the country until 2025.
The time change in Chile in 2025 will occur on April 5 (for winter time) and September 6 (for daylight saving time). Although the primary objective is energy savings, it also impacts health, safety, and the economy. While its continuation is under discussion, for now it remains a current practice in most of the country.