Current Time in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland uses UK time, GMT in winter and BST in summer. The Republic of Ireland uses GMT and Irish Standard Time on the same dates, so clocks match on both sides of the land border all year.
Time in Northern Ireland
Because Belfast is almost six degrees west of Greenwich, solar noon is more than 20 minutes after clock noon, and sunrise is later than in the east of England.
The Republic's summer time is officially Irish Standard Time (IST), which can be confused with India Standard Time, one reason time-zone abbreviations are unreliable.
Cities in Northern Ireland
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 Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland uses UK time: GMT in winter and BST in summer. The live clock on this page shows the current time.
Does Northern Ireland change its clocks?
Yes, together with the rest of the UK. In 2026 the clocks go forward on Sunday, 29 March 2026 and back on Sunday, 25 October 2026.
Is Northern Ireland in a different time zone from London?
No. Northern Ireland is in the same time zone as London, Europe/London.