As a traveler, it’s important to know that London uses the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) system. This system changes to British Summer Time (BST) in the summer, which means clocks go forward by one hour. Knowing this will help you plan your days better, whether you’re visiting famous landmarks, enjoying the parks, or exploring the city’s culture.
This guide will help you understand London’s time zone simply, making your trip smoother and more enjoyable. Get ready to set your watch and enjoy every moment in this historic city!
History of the London Time Zone
The history of time zones in London, and more broadly the United Kingdom, is quite fascinating. Here’s a brief overview:
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT): The concept of a global time standard originated in Britain. In 1847, the Railway Clearing House, which coordinated railway timetables, adopted Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) to standardize the time. GMT, based at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London, became the world’s standard time.
Adoption as Legal Time: GMT was legally adopted across Great Britain by the Railway Time Act of 1880. Before this, local mean time was used, which varied from town to town.
British Summer Time (BST): The concept of daylight saving time, or British Summer Time, was introduced in 1916, during World War I, to make better use of daylight and save fuel for the war effort. Clocks were put forward by one hour during the summer months.
World War II Adjustments: During the Second World War, Britain adopted British Double Summer Time, where clocks were two hours ahead of GMT during summer and one hour ahead during winter.
Post-War Period: After the war, Britain returned to the regular system of BST and GMT until 1968-1971, when a trial of keeping the country on GMT+1 throughout the year was conducted. The trial wasn’t popular, especially in northern regions, due to the dark winter mornings, and the UK reverted to the current system of switching between GMT and BST.
Current Practice: Today, the UK, including London, operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) from the last Sunday in October to the last Sunday in March. During the rest of the year, the country is on British Summer Time (BST), which is GMT+1.
What Time Zone in London?
When planning events or making travel plans to London, it is best to utilize a time zone converter to minimize confusion. Time Zone Converter, World Clock Meeting Planner, and TimeAndDate.com are some prominent websites and apps. Furthermore, many smartphones and PCs have built-in functions that allow you to view multiple time zones at the same time.
It is important to note that London is not the only city in the GMT time zone. Dublin, Lisbon, Casablanca, and Reykjavik are among the other significant cities. If you plan on visiting any of these locations or working with coworkers who live there, remember to factor in their local time. You can ensure that your plans operate smoothly no matter where you go by remaining informed of the varied time zones around the world.
Read More: Oregon Time Zone
London Time Zone Information
London time is one hour ahead of UTC. British Summer Time (BST) is the current timezone in London. Daylight Saving Time (DST), often known as summertime, is now in effect in London. In London, Daylight Saving Time will cease on October 29, 2023.
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Time zone | British Summer Time |
| Time zone abbreviation | BST |
| Is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in effect in London? | Yes |
| Daylight saving time | +1 hour |
| Standard time zone | No UTC/GMT offset |
| The current time zone offset | UTC/GMT +1 hour |
| DST started date | March 26, 2023 |
| DST is the ends date | Oct. 29, 2023 |
| Latitude | 51° 31′ North |
| Longitude | 0° 08′ East |
Daylight Saving Time in London
London observes British Summer Time (BST), which is GMT+1 during daylight saving time. This means that London time is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in the United States during the summer.
It’s also worth noting that not every country observes daylight saving time at the same time as London. Australia, for example, observes daylight saving time from October to April, whereas the United States does so from March to November.
Also Read: Louisiana Time Zone
Schedule a Phone Call from London to New York
If you reside in London, United Kingdom, and wish to call a friend in New York, New York, you may do so between 12:00 PM and 4:00 AM local time. Since New York, New York is five hours behind London, United Kingdom, this will occur between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.
If you’re available at any time but want to reach someone at work in New York, NY, you might attempt between 2:00 PM and 10:00 PM your time. The ideal time to contact them is between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., during normal business hours.
| London | New York |
| 2:00 PM | 9:00 AM |
| 2:30 PM | 9:30 AM |
| 3:00 PM | 10:00 AM |
| 3:30 PM | 10:30 AM |
| 4:00 PM | 11:00 AM |
| 4:30 PM | 11:30 AM |
| 5:00 PM | 12:00 PM |
Related Article: Mountain Time Zone
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is London GMT or BST?
When the clocks go back, the United Kingdom (UK) is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Why is London not on GMT time?
The United Kingdom is not always on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). The correct time zone for Daylight Saving Time (DST) is British Summer Time (BST). The EU wishes to abolish DST.
Is London in two time zones?
The United Kingdom only has a one-time zone.
Why does London have two time zones?
A global panel agreed in the 1880s that the international time zone of +0 would exist in London, drawing a vertical line across London from north to south across the Earth.
Is London and UK time the same?
England (and the United Kingdom) are all in the same time zone. 13:00 is 1 pm.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the London time zone is crucial for anyone planning to visit or work with people in this city. With its rich history and vibrant culture, London is a popular destination for tourists and business professionals alike. Therefore, being aware of the time difference between your location and London will help you schedule your activities effectively.
