CET vs CEST Explained: The Difference Between Central European Time and Central European Summer Time
Central European Time (CET) and Central European Summer Time (CEST) are the two time zones used across most of Europe. CET (UTC+1) is observed during winter, while CEST (UTC+2) is used in summer. The switch occurs on the last Sunday of March (clocks spring forward from CET to CEST) and the last Sunday of October (clocks fall back from CEST to CET). In 2026, the change to CEST happens on 29 March, and the return to CET on 25 October. Many people confuse these zones when booking international calls or travel, so this guide clarifies exactly when each applies. For the current time in Europe, check Time.now.
What Is Central European Time (CET)?
CET is the standard time in most European countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Poland. It is UTC+1, meaning it is one hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time. CET is used from the last Sunday of October until the last Sunday of March. During this period, countries like Germany and France share the same time as the UK (which uses Western European Time (WET) at UTC+0) plus one hour. For a full list of countries in this zone, see our Central European Time (CET) page.
What Is Central European Summer Time (CEST)?
CEST is the daylight saving time observed in the same region. It is UTC+2, i.e., two hours ahead of UTC. CEST runs from the last Sunday of March until the last Sunday of October. During summer, European evenings have more daylight. For example, in Paris, sunset can be as late as 10 p.m. CEST. This shift is part of the European Summer Time 2026 schedule, which aligns with most EU member states.
When Do CET and CEST Start and End in 2026?
The transition dates are fixed by EU law: the last Sunday of March and the last Sunday of October. In 2026:
- CEST starts: Sunday, 29 March 2026 - clocks spring forward from 02:00 CET to 03:00 CEST.
- CET starts: Sunday, 25 October 2026 - clocks fall back from 03:00 CEST to 02:00 CET.
These changes occur at 01:00 UTC (or 02:00 CET / 03:00 CEST). For a broader overview of time zone transitions, see our European Time Zones Map.
Which Months Use CET and Which Use CEST?
The following table shows the time zone in effect for each month of 2026:
| Month | Time Zone | UTC Offset |
|---|---|---|
| January | CET | UTC+1 |
| February | CET | UTC+1 |
| March (1-28) | CET | UTC+1 |
| March (29-31) | CEST | UTC+2 |
| April | CEST | UTC+2 |
| May | CEST | UTC+2 |
| June | CEST | UTC+2 |
| July | CEST | UTC+2 |
| August | CEST | UTC+2 |
| September | CEST | UTC+2 |
| October (1-24) | CEST | UTC+2 |
| October (25-31) | CET | UTC+1 |
| November | CET | UTC+1 |
| December | CET | UTC+1 |
Common Confusions When Scheduling Across Time Zones
One frequent mistake is assuming that all European countries switch on the same date. While most EU members follow the same rule, some territories (e.g., Canary Islands) use WET/WEST. Also, countries like the UK and Ireland use Western European Time (WET) and Western European Summer Time (WEST), which are one hour behind CET/CEST. Another common error: when it is 12:00 CET, it is 13:00 CEST, not 11:00. If you are scheduling a call with someone in Berlin from New York, remember that during CET (winter), Berlin is 6 hours ahead of New York (EST), but during CEST (summer), it is 6 hours ahead as well because New York also observes daylight saving - but the transition dates differ. Always double-check using a reliable time converter like TimeRight.Now or CurrentTime.now for a multi-city view.
Is Europe Abolishing Daylight Saving Time?
There has been ongoing discussion about ending the biannual clock change. In 2018, the European Commission proposed abolishing seasonal time changes, but member states have not reached a consensus. As of 2026, the directive remains in force, meaning CET and CEST continue. For the latest updates, see our article Is Europe Ending DST?.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does CET stand for?
CET stands for Central European Time. It is the standard time in most of Europe during winter, at UTC+1.
What does CEST stand for?
CEST stands for Central European Summer Time. It is the daylight saving time used in summer, at UTC+2.
When does CEST start in 2026?
CEST starts on Sunday, 29 March 2026. Clocks spring forward from 02:00 CET to 03:00 CEST.
When does CEST end in 2026?
CEST ends on Sunday, 25 October 2026. Clocks fall back from 03:00 CEST to 02:00 CET.
Is the UK on CET or CEST?
No, the UK uses Western European Time (WET) in winter and Western European Summer Time (WEST) in summer, which are one hour behind CET/CEST. For more details, visit UK time and date.
What is the difference between CET and UTC?
CET is UTC+1, meaning it is one hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time. CEST is UTC+2, two hours ahead.