Portugal follows Western European Time (WET) which is UTC +0 hours during standard time. During the summer months, Portugal switches to Western European Summer Time (WEST), UTC +1, as part of daylight saving time.
The country mainly uses one time zone across mainland Portugal, including the capital city Lisbon. However, the Portuguese islands in the Azores use a different time zone, which is UTC -1 during standard time.
Current Time
The current local time in mainland Portugal follows Western European Time (WET – UTC+0) during standard time. During daylight saving months, the country shifts to Western European Summer Time (WEST – UTC+1).
- Timezone (Mainland Portugal): Europe/Lisbon
- Standard Time: UTC +0 (WET)
- Summer Time: UTC +1 (WEST)
Quick Facts
- Country: Portugal
- Capital: Lisbon
- Main Time Zone: Western European Time (WET)
- UTC Offset: UTC +0 (standard time)
- Summer Time Offset: UTC +1 (WEST)
- IANA Time Zone: Europe/Lisbon
- Dial Code: +351
- Continent: Europe
Time Difference From
- New York (USA): Portugal is 5 hours ahead during standard time.
- London (UK): Portugal has the same time as London during winter and summer.
- Sydney (Australia): Portugal is 10–11 hours behind depending on daylight saving changes.
- UTC/GMT: Portugal is UTC +0 in winter and UTC +1 in summer.
Daylight Saving Time
Portugal observes daylight saving time each year.
Start: Last Sunday in March – clocks move forward by 1 hour.
End: Last Sunday in October – clocks move back by 1 hour.
Example (2026):
DST Starts: March 29, 2026
DST Ends: October 25, 2026
Best Time to Call
If you are scheduling international meetings or calls with Portugal, the best time is usually:
Local Portugal Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Examples:
USA (New York): 4:00 AM – 1:00 PM
UK (London): 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Australia (Sydney): 7:00 PM – 4:00 AM
Late afternoon in Portugal usually works best for international communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time zone does Portugal use?
Portugal uses Western European Time (WET) which is UTC+0, and Western European Summer Time (WEST) which is UTC+1 during daylight saving time.
Does Portugal have multiple time zones?
Mainland Portugal uses one time zone, but the Azores islands use a separate time zone (UTC -1).
Does Portugal observe daylight saving time?
Yes. Portugal moves clocks forward in March and back in October each year.
What is Portugal’s time zone identifier?
The official IANA time zone identifier for mainland Portugal is Europe/Lisbon.
Where Is Located
Portugal is located in Southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. It borders Spain to the east and north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south. The capital city, Lisbon, sits along the Atlantic coast and is one of Europe’s oldest cities.
What Is Famous For
Portugal is known worldwide for its history, culture, and scenic landscapes:
• Historic cities such as Lisbon and Porto
• Traditional Fado music
• Famous Portuguese cuisine and seafood dishes
• Production of Port wine in the Douro Valley
• Beautiful Atlantic beaches and coastal cliffs
Additional Note
Portugal’s time zone is aligned with the United Kingdom and Ireland, which makes business coordination across Western Europe easier. However, travelers should remember that the Azores islands operate one hour behind mainland Portugal, so it is important to check the correct time when traveling within the country.
