Current Time in Tristan da Cunha
Tristan da Cunha is the main island of a remote group in the South Atlantic, part of the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. It uses Greenwich Mean Time all year, so it matches the UK in winter and is one hour behind in summer.
About time in Tristan da Cunha
It is often described as the most remote inhabited island in the world, about 1,500 miles from the nearest major landmass. Its only settlement, Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, is home to roughly 240 people.
The island has no airport, and the only way to reach it is by ship from Cape Town, a voyage of about six days. Because supply ships are infrequent, residents plan around the timetable of the vessel.
Tristan keeps GMT all year, so UK callers need to remember that the gap grows to one hour during British Summer Time. Messages and calls are sent by satellite, and there is a school, a hospital and a post office with its own stamps.
At 37 degrees south, the island has its longest days in December and shortest in June, the opposite of the UK.
- About 240 residents.
- Settlement: Edinburgh of the Seven Seas.
- Reached only by ship from Cape Town.
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 Tristan da Cunha?
Tristan da Cunha uses Greenwich Mean Time all year, so it matches the UK in winter and is one hour behind in summer.
When do the clocks change in Tristan da Cunha?
Tristan da Cunha does not change its clocks. It stays on GMT while the UK moves to BST between the last Sunday of March and the last Sunday of October.
Is Tristan da Cunha part of the UK?
Tristan da Cunha is a British Overseas Territory, which is under British sovereignty but is not part of the United Kingdom itself.
How do you get to Tristan da Cunha?
By ship from Cape Town, a journey of around six days. There is no airport.
Is Tristan da Cunha on the same time as the UK?
In UK winter, yes. In UK summer, Tristan da Cunha is one hour behind.