Is London in ET or PT?

By Anna Duncan

London is one of the most iconic cities in the world, and it’s no wonder that many people are curious about its time zone. The question we often hear is, “Is London in ET or PT?”

The answer is neither! London has its own time zone known as Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is also referred to as Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

What is GMT?

GMT is a time zone that was established at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London in 1884. It was created to standardize timekeeping around the world and is based on the Earth’s rotation. GMT runs from midnight to midnight and is used by several countries across Europe and Africa, including the United Kingdom.

How does GMT differ from ET and PT?

ET (Eastern Time) refers to the time zone used in North America’s eastern region, including cities like New York and Washington D.C. It runs four hours behind GMT.

PT (Pacific Time) refers to the time zone used in North America’s western region, including cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. It runs eight hours behind GMT.

Why do people confuse London’s time zone with ET or PT?

The confusion arises because of TV shows and movies that are set in London but produced for American audiences. These productions often show clocks displaying Eastern or Pacific Time instead of GMT, leading viewers to believe that London falls under these zones.

Conclusion

In summary, London is not in ET or PT but has its own unique time zone known as GMT or UTC. While it may be confusing for some due to media portrayals, it’s important to remember that each city has its own distinct time zone based on its location on Earth.

  • Tip: If you’re planning a trip to London from a different time zone, make sure to adjust your watch or phone accordingly to avoid any confusion.
  • Fun Fact: GMT is also used as a reference for time in space and is the time zone used by the Royal Observatory in Greenwich to set its clocks.

If you have any additional questions about London’s time zone or want to learn more about GMT, feel free to do some research or ask a local!