What Time is it in The Netherlands: Explain Like I’m Five (ELI5)

Wondering what time it is in the Netherlands? Learn about the Dutch time zone & time differences with the US & UK. Read more in this article.

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What Time Is It in the Netherlands? (ELI5 Explanation)

Imagine you’re about to fly to the Netherlands, excited to see windmills, tulips, and cycling paths. But then you wonder: what time is it there right now? Let’s break it down as simple as possible, ELI5-style (explain like I’m five).

The Netherlands follows Greenwich Mean Time with one additional hour (GMT +1). The country also use Daylight Saving Time (DST). The country only has one timezone in the entire country, unlike for example Canada and the United States. GMT +1 is also known as Central European Time (CET).

Understanding the Time Zone in the Netherlands

The Netherlands uses Central European Time (CET) in winter and Central European Summer Time (CEST) in summer. This means:

Winter: UTC +1
Summer: UTC +2

In simple words: the Netherlands is usually one hour ahead of London, and in the same time zone as France, Germany, and Spain.

The Netherlands has been following Central European Time (CET), which is equivalent to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) +1, for a long time.

The Time Zone in the Netherlands in relation with Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)

Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) holds a significant place in the history of timekeeping and global coordination. It originated at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London, where astronomers and scientists sought to establish a standardized reference point for time calculation and navigation.

GMT served as the baseline against which the world’s time zones were established. The development of GMT +1, also known as Central European Time (CET), was a response to the need for regional time adjustments to align with local daylight patterns.

Time Difference Between the Netherlands and Other Countries

The exact time difference depends on where you live. And if the countries also use day light time.

Daylight Saving Time (DST) in The Netherlands

Daylight saving time, which is observed in many countries, involves shifting the clocks forward by one hour during the warmer months to make better use of daylight. The country also uses Daylight Saving Time (DST) during the summer.

The time zone in the Netherlands shift towards Central European Summer Time (CEST) between the last Sunday in March and last Sunday in October.

Please note that most places in North America apply Daylight Saving Time (DST), just like Europa. However, the start and ending of Daylight Saving Time between North America and Europe are not in sync.

The Netherlands and Europa start with DST during the last Sunday in March and last Sunday in October.
North America starts with DST during the second Sunday in March and first Sunday in November.

The Netherlands will start and finish DST two weeks later, compared towards North America.

Start of DST at the last Sunday in March	The clock goes forward from 02:00 AM towards 03:00 AM
End of DST at the last Sunday in October	The clock goes backwards from 03:00 AM towards 02:00 AM

Daylight Saving Time in The Netherlands, Europe

As a result of DST, it is darker a little longer in the morning and a little longer liter in the evening. This shift was developed to provide more daylight during waking hours and optimize energy consumption.

Here are the most common comparisons:

Netherlands vs USA

New York (EST): usually 6 hours behind
Los Angeles (PST): usually 9 hours behind

Single time zone vs multiple time zones

The Netherlands has one time zone, whereas North America has at least 4 time zones. All these time zones are compared with Central European Time (CET) in the figure below.

14:00 hours in the Pacific Time Zone	23:00 in the Netherlands
14:00 hours in the Mountain Time Zone	22:00 in the Netherlands
14:00 hours in the Central Time Zone	21:00 in the Netherlands
14:00 hours in the Eastern Time Zone	20:00 in the Netherlands

Please note, this only applies if both locations in the time zones use Daylight Saving Time (DST)

Pacific Time Zone: The Netherlands is 9 hours ahead.
Mountain Time Zone: The Netherlands is 8 hours ahead
Central Time Zone: The Netherlands is 7 hours ahead
Eastern Time Zone: The Netherlands is 6 hours ahead.

Netherlands vs UK & Ireland

Always 1 hour ahead of the UK and Ireland.

Netherlands vs Asia & Australia

Tokyo: 7 hours ahead
Sydney: 8–10 hours ahead (depending on daylight saving time)

Does the Netherlands Have Daylight Saving Time?

Yes! Twice a year the clock changes:

Last Sunday in March: clocks go 1 hour forward
Last Sunday in October: clocks go 1 hour back

Think of it as “longer evenings in summer, shorter evenings in winter.”

Why Knowing the Local Time Matters for Tourists

Understanding Dutch time isn’t just about jet lag—it helps you plan your trip better:

Shops & restaurants: Many close earlier than in big US or UK cities.
Public transport: Trains and buses run on strict schedules.
Festivals & events: Timing is everything if you don’t want to miss out.

Practical Tips for Keeping Track of Dutch Time

Your phone will automatically update to local time once you land.
You can ask Google: “What time is it in the Netherlands?”
Fun fact: yes, locals often use 24-hour clock form (so 18:00 = 6 PM).

Quick FAQ About Time in the Netherlands

Is the Netherlands always 6 hours ahead of New York?

Not always. In summer it’s 6 hours, but in winter the difference can be 5 hours due to daylight saving.

What is the time zone called?

CET in winter, CEST in summer.

Does the Netherlands use military time?

Yes, the 24-hour clock is common in schedules and daily life. Don’t worry—18:00 is just 6 PM!