Time Zone Notice
The time zone for this page (MET) is not currently in effect. The correct current time zone is CEST.
Please see the correct page here: Current Time in CEST.
Current Time in MET (Middle European Time)
About MET
An alternative name for Central European Time (CET). It is the standard time for many central European countries. During summer, most of these locations switch to Middle European Summer Time (MEST/CEST).
UTC Offset: +01:00
Current time shown is based on the representative IANA zone: MET
Middle European Time (MET): The Central European Time Zone
Middle European Time (MET) is a time zone with a standard offset of UTC+01:00, commonly known as Central European Time (CET). The abbreviation MET is used primarily in aviation and some technical contexts, but it represents the same time as CET. This zone observes daylight saving time, switching to Middle European Summer Time (MEST) at UTC+02:00, which is equivalent to Central European Summer Time (CEST).
What is Middle European Time?
Middle European Time (MET) is a time zone designation that aligns with Central European Time (CET). The term "Middle European" is less common in everyday use but appears in specific contexts like air traffic control and some European Union regulations. Its standard offset is UTC+01:00, and during daylight saving time, it advances to UTC+02:00, referred to as Middle European Summer Time (MEST). The IANA time zone database groups MET as a single entry, representing the time zone used by many Central European countries.
Regions and Countries Using MET
MET is observed by the following countries and territories year-round or during standard time:
- Albania
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark (excluding Greenland and Faroe Islands)
- France (metropolitan)
- Germany
- Hungary
- Italy
- Kosovo
- Liechtenstein
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- North Macedonia
- Norway (including Svalbard and Jan Mayen)
- Poland
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain (excluding Canary Islands)
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Vatican City
Major cities in MET include Berlin, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Vienna, Warsaw, Prague, Budapest, Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen, and Brussels.
Daylight Saving Time
All MET-observing countries in Europe follow daylight saving time. Clocks spring forward on the last Sunday of March at 01:00 UTC (02:00 MET) to 03:00 MEST, and fall back on the last Sunday of October at 01:00 UTC (03:00 MEST) to 02:00 MET. This synchronized change ensures minimal disruption across the region.
How MET Differs from Neighbouring Zones
- Western European Time (WET/UTC+0): One hour behind MET. Countries like Portugal, the UK, and Ireland observe WET in winter and WEST (UTC+1) in summer, aligning with MET during summer but falling behind in winter.
- Eastern European Time (EET/UTC+2): One hour ahead of MET. Countries like Finland, Greece, and Romania use EET in winter and EEST (UTC+3) in summer. Thus, during winter, MET is one hour behind EET; in summer, MET (MEST) is one hour behind EEST.
- Greenwich Mean Time (GMT/UTC+0): MET is always one hour ahead of GMT during winter (when GMT is standard) and aligns with GMT+1 during summer (when GMT observes BST or WEST).
Practical Business Hours Guidance
When scheduling across time zones, note that MET is 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). For business with North America (Eastern Time, UTC-5): MET is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST) and 5 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). For Asia (e.g., China Standard Time, UTC+8): MET is 7 hours behind during winter and 6 hours behind during summer. Typical office hours in MET (09:00-17:00) correspond to 08:00-16:00 UTC in winter and 07:00-15:00 UTC in summer. For calls with London (WET/BST), MET is always 1 hour ahead. For calls with Moscow (MSK, UTC+3), MET is 2 hours behind in winter and 1 hour behind in summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Middle European Time the same as Central European Time?
Yes, Middle European Time (MET) is synonymous with Central European Time (CET). Both have a standard offset of UTC+01:00 and observe daylight saving time at UTC+02:00 (MEST/CEST). The term MET is more common in aviation and technical contexts.
Does MET observe daylight saving time?
Yes, all countries using MET observe daylight saving time. Clocks are set forward by one hour on the last Sunday of March and back on the last Sunday of October, switching between MET (UTC+1) and MEST (UTC+2).
What is the time difference between MET and Eastern Time (US)?
During standard time (winter), MET is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC-5). During daylight saving time (summer), MET (MEST) is 5 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC-4).
Which major cities use MET?
Major cities in MET include Berlin, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Vienna, Warsaw, Prague, Budapest, Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Zurich.
How does MET differ from Western European Time (WET)?
MET is always one hour ahead of Western European Time (WET, UTC+0) during winter. In summer, MET (MEST, UTC+2) is one hour ahead of Western European Summer Time (WEST, UTC+1).
Is MET used in any non-European territories?
No, MET is strictly a European time zone. However, some African countries like Algeria and Tunisia use CET (UTC+1) year-round without daylight saving, but they are not officially part of the MET zone as defined by IANA.