Time difference between New York and London
New York is 5 hours behind London for most of the year, but the gap changes for a few weeks.
Live time in New York and London
Why is the time different?
New York and London are in different time zones. The Earth turns, so the Sun reaches one place before the other. London sees each new day first.In January New York is on EST and London is on GMT. In July they are on EDT and GMT+1.
- In 2026, the clocks in New York go forward on March 8 and back on November 1.
- In 2026, the clocks in London go forward on March 29 and back on October 25.
- From March 8 to March 28 (21 days) New York is 4 hours behind London.
- From October 25 to October 31 (7 days) New York is 4 hours behind London.
These dates are for 2026. The pattern repeats every year, but the exact days move.
A school day in New York and London
What are children doing in the other city? (We use 8:30 am to 3 pm for school, and January clocks.)
- When school starts in New York (8:30 am), it is 1:30 pm in London, and children there are at school.
- When school ends in New York (3 pm), it is 8 pm in London, and children there are getting ready for bed.
- When children go to bed in New York (8 pm), it is 1 am the next day in London, and children there are fast asleep.
- When school finishes in London (3 pm), it is 10 am in New York, and children there are at school.
The two school days overlap for about 1.5 hours. For the rest of the day, one class is in lessons while the other is not.
Fun fact: children in New York are fast asleep when school starts in London!
The same moment, hour by hour
Each box is one hour on New York's clock. The top row shows New York. The bottom row shows what is happening in London at that very same time.
Best time to call
- Most of the year: both cities are at work from 9 am to 12 pm in New York (2 pm to 5 pm in London).
Today, hour by hour (green = working hours for both, amber = fine for a call):
| New York | London | Call? |
|---|
New York time to London time
| New York | London |
|---|---|
| 6 am | 11 am |
| 9 am | 2 pm |
| 12 pm | 5 pm |
| 3 pm | 8 pm |
| 6 pm | 11 pm |
| 9 pm | 2 am (next day) |
Quick quiz: New York and London
1 / 2More time comparisons
Questions about New York and London time
What is the time difference between New York and London?
In January, New York is 5 hours behind London. The gap also changes for a few weeks each year because the two places change their clocks on different dates.
Is New York ahead of or behind London?
New York is behind London in January. Ahead means its clocks show a later time.
What time is it in London when it is 12 noon in New York?
In January it is 5 pm in London. In July it is 5 pm.
Are children at school at the same time in New York and London?
The two school days overlap for about 1.5 hours. For the rest of the day, one class is in lessons while the other is not. When school ends in New York (3 pm), it is 8 pm in London, and children there are getting ready for bed. Fun fact: children in New York are fast asleep when school starts in London!
What is the best time to call between New York and London?
Most of the year: both cities are at work from 9 am to 12 pm in New York (2 pm to 5 pm in London).
Does the time difference between New York and London change?
Yes. From March 8 to March 28 (21 days) New York is 4 hours behind London. From October 25 to October 31 (7 days) New York is 4 hours behind London.