Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece and one of the oldest cities in the world with a history spanning thousands of years. Located in southeastern Europe near the Mediterranean Sea, Athens is the cultural, political, and economic center of Greece.
The city follows Eastern European Time (EET) during standard time and Eastern European Summer Time (EEST) during daylight saving time.
Athens is a major tourist destination known for its ancient monuments, museums, and historic sites. Because it is an important travel and business hub in Southern Europe, many people check the current time in Athens when planning international meetings, flights, or travel schedules.
Current Time
- Athens follows Eastern European Time (EET).
- Standard Time: EET – UTC+2
- Daylight Saving Time: EEST – UTC+3
Quick Facts
- Country: Greece
- Region: Attica
- Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET)
- IANA Timezone: Europe/Athens
- Standard Time Offset: UTC +2
- Daylight Saving Offset: UTC +3
- Population: Around 3 million people (metropolitan area)
- Major Airport: Athens International Airport (ATH)
Time Difference From
- New York (USA): Athens is 7 hours ahead
- London (UK): Athens is 2 hours ahead
- Dubai (UAE): Athens is 2 hours behind
- Tokyo (Japan): Athens is 7 hours behind
Daylight Saving Time
Athens observes daylight saving time.
Start: Last Sunday in March – clocks move forward 1 hour
End: Last Sunday in October – clocks move back 1 hour
Best Time to Call
If you are calling Athens from other regions:
- USA East Coast: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Middle East (Dubai): 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Asia (Tokyo): 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
These hours typically overlap with business hours in Athens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time zone is Athens in?
Athens uses Eastern European Time (EET).
Does Athens observe daylight saving time?
Yes. The city switches between EET (UTC+2) and EEST (UTC+3) each year.
Is Athens ahead of London?
Yes. Athens is usually 2 hours ahead of London.
Where Is Located
Athens is located in southeastern Greece on the Attica peninsula, near the Aegean Sea. The city lies between mountains and the coastline, making it an important gateway between Europe and the Mediterranean region.
What Is Famous For
Athens is famous for its ancient Greek history, philosophy, and architecture. The city is home to iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis, Parthenon, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Athens is often called the birthplace of democracy and Western civilization.
Additional Note
Athens remains one of the most historically significant cities in the world. Today it blends ancient heritage with modern urban life, attracting millions of visitors each year who come to explore its archaeological sites, museums, and Mediterranean culture.
Time Zone Converter
Convert Athens time to your local time using our time converter tool.



