Current Time in Atlantic/Azores Time Zone
IANA Name: Atlantic/Azores
Standard Offset: UTC −01:00
Daylight Saving: Yes
DST Offset: UTC +00:00
DST Abbreviation: GMT
Currently Observing DST: Yes ✅
Atlantic/Azores Time Zone: UTC-01:00 with DST
The Atlantic/Azores time zone covers the Azores archipelago, an autonomous region of Portugal in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the few zones with a standard offset of UTC-01:00 and observes daylight saving time, shifting to UTC+00:00 during summer months. This zone is used exclusively by Portugal for the Azores islands.
Overview and Usage
The Atlantic/Azores time zone applies to the nine volcanic islands of the Azores (Corvo, Faial, Flores, Graciosa, Pico, Santa Maria, São Jorge, São Miguel, Terceira). The zone is administered by Portugal and is the westernmost European time zone. It is distinct from mainland Portugal (Europe/Lisbon, UTC+00:00/UTC+01:00) and from the nearby Atlantic/Cape_Verde zone (also UTC-01:00 but no DST).
Offset and Abbreviation
Standard time is UTC-01:00, abbreviated as AZOT (Azores Time). During daylight saving time, the offset becomes UTC+00:00, abbreviated as AZOST (Azores Summer Time). The abbreviation changes reflect the one-hour shift forward in summer.
Daylight Saving Behavior
Atlantic/Azores observes daylight saving time (DST) in line with European Union rules. Clocks spring forward one hour on the last Sunday of March at 01:00 AZOT (to 02:00 AZOST) and fall back on the last Sunday of October at 02:00 AZOST (to 01:00 AZOT). Upcoming dates: 2025-03-30 (forward to +00), 2025-10-26 (back to -01), 2026-03-29 (forward), 2026-10-25 (back). This annual rhythm means the zone is at UTC-01:00 for about five months (late October to late March) and at UTC+00:00 for about seven months (late March to late October).
Main Countries and Cities
The only country using this zone is Portugal, specifically the Azores region. The largest city is Ponta Delgada (on São Miguel Island), with other significant towns including Angra do Heroísmo (Terceira), Horta (Faial), and Lajes (multiple islands). The entire archipelago of about 250,000 people follows this time.
Practical Guidance for Scheduling
When the Azores are on standard time (UTC-01:00), they are one hour behind mainland Portugal (UTC+00:00) and four hours behind UTC. During DST (UTC+00:00), they align with mainland Portugal, the UK, and Ireland. For business hours overlap with North America: Eastern Time (UTC-05:00) is 4 hours behind Azores standard time (so 9 AM ET = 1 PM AZOT) and 5 hours behind Azores summer time (9 AM ET = 2 PM AZOST). For Western Europe: Central European Time (UTC+01:00) is 2 hours ahead of Azores standard time and 1 hour ahead of Azores summer time. Always confirm DST status, as the Azores change clocks on the same dates as Europe but at different local times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current time in the Azores?
Check a world clock for real-time. The zone uses AZOT (UTC-01:00) in winter and AZOST (UTC+00:00) in summer. The current offset depends on whether DST is in effect.
Does the Azores observe daylight saving time?
Yes. The Azores observe DST, moving from UTC-01:00 to UTC+00:00 on the last Sunday of March and back on the last Sunday of October.
What is the difference between Atlantic/Azores and Atlantic/Cape_Verde?
Both have standard offset UTC-01:00, but Cape Verde does not observe DST. So Cape Verde stays at UTC-01:00 year-round, while the Azores shift to UTC+00:00 in summer.
Is the Azores time the same as mainland Portugal?
No. Mainland Portugal uses Europe/Lisbon (UTC+00:00 standard, UTC+01:00 DST). The Azores are one hour behind mainland Portugal in winter and align in summer.
When do the clocks change in the Azores?
Clocks spring forward on the last Sunday of March at 01:00 AZOT and fall back on the last Sunday of October at 02:00 AZOST. Example: 2025-03-30 and 2025-10-26.
What is the best time to call someone in the Azores from New York?
New York (Eastern Time) is 4 hours behind Azores standard time and 5 hours behind Azores summer time. For a 9 AM ET call, it would be 1 PM or 2 PM in the Azores, depending on DST.