London uses two time zones: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and British Summer Time (BST). Knowing the difference is important for anyone needing the current UK time. GMT is standard time, while BST is Daylight Saving Time (DST), or summer time.
BST is one hour ahead of GMT. So, 1:00 PM GMT is 2:00 PM BST. In summer, UK clocks go forward one hour to maximise daylight. This BST shift applies to the whole UK.
GMT and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) show the same time, but there’s a difference. Historically, GMT was the global standard, based on solar time at the prime meridian in Greenwich, London. Now, UTC is the international standard.
The UK uniquely uses BST in summer. Other countries, like Ireland, might have the same local time during DST but call it something else. This is important when comparing time zones internationally.
GMT/BST change dates vary slightly yearly. Clocks usually go forward one hour on the last Sunday in March (BST start) and back one hour on the last Sunday in October (GMT return).
| Year | Date & Time | Abbreviation | Time Change | Offset After |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | So, 31. Mär, 01:00 | GMT → BST | +1 hour (DST start) | UTC+1h |
| So, 27. Okt, 02:00 | BST → GMT | -1 hour (DST end) | UTC | |
| 2025 | So, 30. Mär, 01:00 | GMT → BST | +1 hour (DST start) | UTC+1h |
| So, 26. Okt, 02:00 | BST → GMT | -1 hour (DST end) | UTC | |
| 2026 | So, 29. Mär, 01:00 | GMT → BST | +1 hour (DST start) | UTC+1h |
| So, 25. Okt, 02:00 | BST → GMT | -1 hour (DST end) | UTC | |
| 2027 | So, 28. Mär, 01:00 | GMT → BST | +1 hour (DST start) | UTC+1h |
| So, 31. Okt, 02:00 | BST → GMT | -1 hour (DST end) | UTC | |
| 2028 | So, 26. Mär, 01:00 | GMT → BST | +1 hour (DST start) | UTC+1h |
| So, 29. Okt, 02:00 | BST → GMT | -1 hour (DST end) | UTC | |
| * All times are local London time. Next time change is highlighted. |
These yearly changes matter for scheduling across time zones. Knowing when the UK switches ensures accurate timekeeping and avoids confusion. For the correct “Today Uk Time,” know the current date and time zone.