Current Time in Akrotiri and Dhekelia
Akrotiri and Dhekelia are two British Sovereign Base Areas on the island of Cyprus. They use Eastern European Time, UTC+2 in winter and UTC+3 in summer, the same as the rest of Cyprus, so they are always two hours ahead of the UK.
About time in Akrotiri and Dhekelia
The bases are used by the British armed forces, including RAF Akrotiri, which is a key staging post for operations in the Middle East. About 15,000 people live in the areas, most of them Cypriot citizens.
Cyprus changes its clocks on the same dates as the UK and the rest of the EU, so the two-hour gap with London never changes.
Flights from London to Larnaca and Paphos take around four and a half hours, and the arrival time is quoted in local time, two hours ahead of London. Military flights between RAF Brize Norton and Akrotiri run on a similar pattern.
The sun is high for much of the year in this part of the Mediterranean, with around 14 hours of daylight in June and 10 in December.
- About 15,000 residents.
- Two Sovereign Base Areas on Cyprus.
- Always two hours ahead of the UK.
Other UK territories
Clock change guides
- What Is Daylight Saving Time (DST)? A Plain-English GuideWhat daylight saving time is, how it works in the UK, Europe and the US, why it exists, its history, who uses it and the argument over scrapping it.
- Why Do the Clocks Go Back in October? The Real ReasonThe clocks go back in autumn to return the UK to GMT, so winter mornings are lighter. The history, the rule, what time it happens and what changes for you.
- When Do the Clocks Go Forward Again After Going Back?When the UK clocks go forward again after the autumn change, how long the UK stays on GMT, when evenings get lighter and how to remember to reset your clocks.
Frequently asked questions
What time is it in Akrotiri and Dhekelia?
Akrotiri and Dhekelia use Eastern European Time (UTC+2) in winter and Eastern European Summer Time (UTC+3) in summer, which is always two hours ahead of the UK.
When do the clocks change in Akrotiri and Dhekelia?
Akrotiri and Dhekelia change their clocks on the same dates as the UK and the EU: the last Sunday of March and the last Sunday of October, so the gap with the UK never changes.
Is Akrotiri and Dhekelia part of the UK?
Akrotiri and Dhekelia is a British Overseas Territory, which is under British sovereignty but is not part of the United Kingdom itself.
Is the British Sovereign Base on Cyprus part of the UK?
No. Akrotiri and Dhekelia are British Overseas Territories, administered separately and used as military bases.
What is the time difference between Cyprus and the UK?
Two hours all year, with Cyprus ahead.