Current Time in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic with no permanent residents, only scientists and support staff at research stations. They use UTC-2 all year, so they are two hours behind the UK in winter and three hours behind in summer.
About time in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
South Georgia is known for its wildlife, including huge colonies of king penguins and elephant seals, and for the grave of the explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton at Grytviken, where he died in 1922.
The territory does not change its clocks, so the gap with the UK changes only when the UK moves between GMT and BST. It is run from Stanley in the Falkland Islands and has its own flag and stamps.
Cruise ships and research vessels visit in the southern summer, from October to March, when daylight lasts around 18 hours in December. In June, in the southern winter, daylight shrinks to around seven hours.
The staff at King Edward Point work to UTC-2 local time, and communications with London are arranged for the UK afternoon, when it is early afternoon on the island.
- No permanent residents.
- Shackleton is buried at Grytviken.
- UTC-2 all year.
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 South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands?
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands use UTC-2 all year, so they are two hours behind the UK in winter and three hours behind in summer.
When do the clocks change in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands?
South Georgia does not change its clocks. The gap with the UK changes only when the UK moves between GMT and BST.
Is South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands part of the UK?
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands is a British Overseas Territory, which is under British sovereignty but is not part of the United Kingdom itself.
Does anyone live in South Georgia?
No one lives there permanently. About 20 to 30 scientists and support staff live at King Edward Point and Bird Island.
What is the time difference with the UK?
Two hours in UK winter and three hours in UK summer, with South Georgia behind.