Frequently Asked Questions About London Time

London Time Zone FAQ

1. What is the time zone in London?

London is in the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) zone during winter and switches to British Summer Time (BST), which is UTC+1, in summer. For a detailed explanation, visit the London Time Zone — GMT/BST page.

2. Does London observe Daylight Saving Time?

Yes, London observes Daylight Saving Time (DST). Clocks go forward one hour on the last Sunday of March (BST) and back on the last Sunday of October (GMT). Learn more on the Daylight Saving Time in London page.

3. What is the current time in London?

The current time in London is displayed live on our homepage. It updates automatically and shows whether London is on GMT or BST.

4. How do I convert London time to my local time?

To convert London time to your local time, first note the current offset (0 or +1). Then add or subtract the difference between your time zone and UTC. For example, if you are in New York (UTC-5) and London is on BST (UTC+1), London is 6 hours ahead.

5. What is the time difference between London and Tokyo?

Tokyo is 8 hours ahead of GMT and 7 hours ahead of BST. So during London winter (GMT), Tokyo is 8 hours ahead; during London summer (BST), Tokyo is 7 hours ahead. Check the detailed London vs Tokyo Time Difference page for conversion and meeting suggestions.

6. When are business hours in London?

Typical business hours in London are 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday to Friday. Many businesses close for lunch around 1:00 PM. For international calls, the best times to reach London are during these hours. See Business Hours in London for more details.

7. How does British Summer Time affect my travel plans?

When DST starts in March, you lose one hour of sleep but gain daylight in the evening. When it ends in October, you gain an hour. Be sure to adjust your watch and check the current offset on timein.london before your trip.

8. What are the sunrise and sunset times in London?

Sunrise and sunset vary significantly by season. In summer, sunrise can be as early as 4:40 AM and sunset near 9:20 PM. In winter, sunrise is around 8:00 AM and sunset by 4:00 PM. Visit the Sunrise and Sunset Times in London page for daily data.

9. Is London on GMT or BST right now?

That depends on the time of year. From late October to late March, London is on GMT (UTC+0). From late March to late October, London is on BST (UTC+1). The homepage always shows the current status.

10. How do I schedule a meeting across time zones?

Use our live clock to check London time, then calculate the difference to your location. For recurring meetings, note that DST changes can shift the offset temporarily. Tools like world clocks can help avoid confusion.

11. What is the UTC offset of London?

London’s standard offset is UTC+0 (GMT). During BST, it becomes UTC+1. For more hISTory on why London uses these offsets, see the London Time Zone page.

12. Does London change clocks at the same time as other countries?

No. The UK follows European DST dates, which differ from North America and other regions. The U.S., for example, changes clocks on the second Sunday of March and first Sunday of November, while London changes on the last Sundays of March and October.