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Time Zone Converter

Convert times between time zones worldwide
Convert Time
Current Times
Enter a date and time to convert between time zones.
Hold Ctrl (Cmd on Mac) to select multiple zones

Time Zone Guide

Understanding Time Zones

Time zones divide the world into regions with the same standard time. They're based on longitude, with UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) as the reference point.

Key Concepts:
  • UTC: Universal time standard, no daylight saving
  • GMT: Greenwich Mean Time, similar to UTC
  • DST: Daylight Saving Time, clocks forward 1 hour in summer
  • Offset: Hours difference from UTC (e.g., UTC+5:30)
Major Time Zones:
  • EST/EDT: UTC-5/-4 (Eastern US)
  • CST/CDT: UTC-6/-5 (Central US)
  • MST/MDT: UTC-7/-6 (Mountain US)
  • PST/PDT: UTC-8/-7 (Pacific US)
  • GMT/BST: UTC+0/+1 (UK)
  • CET/CEST: UTC+1/+2 (Central Europe)
  • IST: UTC+5:30 (India, no DST)
  • JST: UTC+9 (Japan, no DST)

Applications

  • International Meetings: Schedule across time zones
  • Travel Planning: Adjust to destination time
  • Remote Work: Coordinate with global teams
  • Event Broadcasting: Determine viewing times worldwide
Pro Tips
  • DST Aware
    Our calculator automatically handles daylight saving time!
  • Business Hours
    9 AM - 5 PM is standard business hours in most countries.
  • UTC Standard
    Use UTC for international coordination to avoid confusion.
Example

Meeting at 2 PM EST:

  • New York: 2:00 PM
  • Los Angeles: 11:00 AM
  • London: 7:00 PM
  • Dubai: 11:00 PM
  • Tokyo: 4:00 AM (next day)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is UTC and how is it different from GMT?

A: UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) is the primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks. GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) is a time zone. For most practical purposes, UTC and GMT are the same - both have no offset and don't observe daylight saving time. UTC is more precise and used for scientific purposes.

Q: How does daylight saving time work?

A: Daylight Saving Time (DST) is when clocks are moved forward 1 hour in spring ("spring forward") and back 1 hour in fall ("fall back"). Not all countries observe DST. In the US: starts 2nd Sunday in March, ends 1st Sunday in November. Europe: starts last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October. Our calculator handles DST automatically.

Q: Why are some time zones offset by 30 or 45 minutes?

A: While most time zones are whole-hour offsets from UTC, some use 30 or 45-minute offsets. Examples: India (UTC+5:30), Nepal (UTC+5:45), Newfoundland (UTC-3:30). These were chosen for geographical, political, or historical reasons to better align with local solar time or national boundaries.

Q: How do I schedule meetings across time zones?

A: 1) Use our converter to find overlapping business hours (9 AM - 5 PM), 2) Consider all participants' time zones, 3) Rotate meeting times if needed to share inconvenience, 4) Always specify time zone when scheduling (e.g., "2 PM EST"), 5) Use UTC for international coordination, 6) Account for DST changes.

Q: What happens when crossing the International Date Line?

A: The International Date Line (roughly 180° longitude) is where the date changes. Traveling west across it, you skip ahead one day. Traveling east, you go back one day. For example, flying from Tokyo to Hawaii, you might arrive "before" you left (same calendar day). Our calculator handles this automatically.

Q: Which countries don't observe daylight saving time?

A: Many countries don't use DST, including: most of Asia (China, Japan, India), most of Africa, Australia (some states), South America (most countries), and some US states (Arizona, Hawaii). Countries near the equator typically don't use DST because day length doesn't vary much throughout the year.

Disclaimer

Important Notice:

  • This calculator provides time zone conversions based on standard time zone rules and daylight saving time schedules.
  • DST rules change: Countries may change DST observance. We use current rules but cannot guarantee future accuracy.
  • Political changes: Time zones can change due to political decisions. Recent examples: Russia, Turkey, North Korea have changed time zones.
  • Accuracy: While we strive for accuracy, always verify critical times (flights, meetings) with official sources.
  • This tool uses IANA time zone database (standard for most systems) but updates may lag behind real-world changes.
  • Historical dates: Conversions for dates before 1970 may be less accurate due to historical time zone changes.
  • Not for legal purposes: Don't use for contracts, legal documents, or official time stamping. Use official time sources.
  • Server time: "Current time" is based on server time, which should be accurate but may have small delays.
  • We are not responsible for missed meetings, flights, or other consequences resulting from the use of this calculator.

Always double-check important times with official sources and confirm time zones with all parties.

Time Zone Converter

Convert times between time zones worldwide. Automatically handles daylight saving time!

Features
  • ✓ Convert specific times
  • ✓ View current times
  • ✓ Multiple time zones
  • ✓ DST handling
  • ✓ Popular zones included
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Time Zones & World Time:

Did You Know?

China uses only one time zone (UTC+8) despite spanning 5 geographical time zones! This means sunrise can be as late as 10 AM in western China.