UK Time vs France
Mainland France is one hour ahead of the UK almost all year, as both countries change their clocks together.
United Kingdom
France (Paris)
Figures for Monday 26 October 2026. Live figures need JavaScript.
Time difference
Mainland France uses Central European Time (CET) in winter and Central European Summer Time (CEST) in summer, covering Paris, Lyon, Marseille and the rest of metropolitan France.
France is 1 hour ahead of the UK for virtually the whole year, because the two countries switch to and from summer time on the same dates in late March and late October.
Conversion guide
A quick reference for what common UK times are in France on Monday 26 October 2026. On dates after a clock change in either country the times can differ: check the clock-change note or use the converter.
UK clocks go back at 2am BST (01:00 UTC) on Sunday 25 October 2026. Clocks in France change at the same moment as UK clocks, so 9am UK is 10am in France both before and after.
| UK time | France (Paris) |
|---|---|
| 9am | 10am |
| 12pm | 1pm |
| 5pm | 6pm |
| 9pm | 10pm |
Best time to call
With only an hour between them, almost any UK working hour suits France. UK 9am-5pm maps to France's 10am-6pm, a broad overlap for calls and meetings.
Daylight saving notes
The UK and France change their clocks on the same days, so the 1-hour gap stays consistent throughout the year. France's overseas territories use different offsets, but mainland France is a steady one hour ahead.
Frequently asked questions
What is the time difference between the UK and France?
Mainland France is 1 hour ahead of the UK for almost the entire year, because both countries change their clocks on the same dates.
Does France observe daylight saving time?
Yes. Mainland France switches to summer time in spring and back in autumn, on the same days as the UK.
What time is it in Paris when it is 5pm in the UK?
When it is 5pm in the UK, it is normally 6pm in Paris.