Time Zone Converter
Convert times between different time zones worldwide with daylight saving time awareness.
Time zones are regions that observe a uniform standard time for legal, commercial, and social purposes. They are defined by their offset from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
Key Concepts
- UTC: Primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks
- Daylight Saving Time (DST): Seasonal adjustment of clocks forward by one hour
- Standard Time: The local time without DST adjustments
- International Date Line: Imaginary line at ~180° longitude where the date changes
| Zone | UTC | DST |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Time (ET) | UTC-05:00 | Yes |
| Central Time (CT) | UTC-06:00 | Yes |
| Pacific Time (PT) | UTC-08:00 | Yes |
| Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) | UTC±00:00 | Yes |
| Central European Time (CET) | UTC+01:00 | Yes |
| India Standard Time (IST) | UTC+05:30 | No |
| China Standard Time (CST) | UTC+08:00 | No |
| Japan Standard Time (JST) | UTC+09:00 | No |
Daylight Saving Time (DST) is the practice of setting clocks forward by one hour during warmer months to extend evening daylight. Not all locations observe DST.
DST Transitions
- Northern Hemisphere: March-November
- Southern Hemisphere: September-April
- Equatorial Regions: Typically don't observe DST
Complete Guide to Time Zones
Understanding Time Zones
Time zones were created to standardize time across regions as railroads and telecommunications expanded in the 19th century. Before this, local solar time was used, varying continuously with longitude.
Time Zone Boundaries
Standard Time Zones
There are 24 standard time zones, each roughly 15° of longitude wide, corresponding to 1 hour differences. However, many zones are irregular due to political and geographical factors.
Date Line Considerations
Crossing the International Date Line causes the date to change by one day. Traveling eastward subtracts a day, while traveling westward adds a day.
Practical Applications
- Schedule international meetings across time zones
- Plan travel itineraries with time changes
- Coordinate global business operations
- Understand TV broadcast times in different regions
- Calculate best times for international calls
Frequently Asked Questions
Professional Tips
- Always specify time zones when scheduling international meetings
- Double-check DST transitions for your locations
- Use 24-hour format to avoid AM/PM confusion
- Confirm time differences with online tools before important calls
- Consider time zones when setting deadlines for global teams