Let’s get ready for winter, the light days are getting shorter, in fact (with the change to daylight saving time in Italy), as early as Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025 it will be nighttime shortly after 5 p.m. The winter solstice, Dec. 21, is the shortest day of the year. In 2025, the time change will occur on the night of Saturday, Oct. 25 to Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. This shift marks a return to standard time, abandoning the daylight saving time adopted during the spring and summer months.
Details of the October Time Change
Clock hands will have to be moved back one hour, going from 03:00 to 02:00. With the adoption of daylight saving time, you will gain an extra hour of sleep that night. There will be more hours of daylight in the morning, making the early hours of the day brighter (so good for early risers); but the Sun will set earlier, shortening the hours of daylight in the late afternoon and evening.
Daylight saving time will be in effect for about five months, until daylight saving time returns on the night of Saturday, March 29, and Sunday, March 30, 2026. Yes, that’s still quite a while away.
The practice of time change, adopted by many countries (especially in Europe and North America), is primarily aimed at optimizing the use of daylight and achieving energy savings by making more use of sunlight on a seasonal basis. Despite the benefits on savings, the debate on its abolition is still open at the European level (for several years), due to possible repercussions on health and circadian rhythms.
Where to watch the sunset in Rome
If you’re looking for the perfect atmosphere for a drink or a peaceful moment with the sky ablaze with red, here are the top five places with panoramic views not to be missed:
- Pincio Terrace: Iconic view above Piazza del Popolo. Ideal for couples 💍
- Giardino degli Aranci: An oasis of peace on the Aventine 🍊
- Janiculum: The eighth hill gives a 360-degree view of the city 📸
- From the Boat on the Tiber: A unique experience combining cruise, culture and sunset aperitif 🥂
- Caffarelli Terrace: Accessible from the Capitol, it offers spectacular views of the rooftops and historic monuments in the heart of Rome 🏘️.