How many hours ahead is CET compared to GMT?

Central European Time (CET, UTC+1) is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT, UTC+0) in winter. In summer, when the UK switches to BST (UTC+1) and Europe switches to CEST (UTC+2), the gap remains 1 hour. London is always 1 hour behind Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Rome, regardless of season.

Are GMT and CET ever the same time?

Never — the 1-hour gap between GMT/BST and CET/CEST is maintained year-round. When the UK is on GMT (winter), Europe is on CET (UTC+1). When the UK moves to BST (UTC+1), Europe simultaneously moves to CEST (UTC+2). Both transition on the same date (last Sunday in March and last Sunday in October), preserving the constant 1-hour difference.

What UK cities use GMT and what European cities use CET?

All of the UK, Ireland, Portugal, and Iceland use GMT in winter. All of continental Europe uses CET in winter: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Scandinavia (except Iceland), and many others. In summer, UK/Ireland move to BST/IST while Europe moves to CEST, each staying 1 hour apart.

GMT vs CET: Time Difference and Conversion

March 21, 2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours ahead is CET compared to GMT?: Central European Time (CET, UTC+1) is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT, UTC+0) in winter. In summer, when the UK switches to BST (UTC+1) and Europe switches to CEST (UTC+2), the gap remains 1 hour. London is always 1 hour behind Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Rome, regardless of season.
Are GMT and CET ever the same time?: Never — the 1-hour gap between GMT/BST and CET/CEST is maintained year-round. When the UK is on GMT (winter), Europe is on CET (UTC+1). When the UK moves to BST (UTC+1), Europe simultaneously moves to CEST (UTC+2). Both transition on the same date (last Sunday in March and last Sunday in October), preserving the constant 1-hour difference.
What UK cities use GMT and what European cities use CET?: All of the UK, Ireland, Portugal, and Iceland use GMT in winter. All of continental Europe uses CET in winter: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Scandinavia (except Iceland), and many others. In summer, UK/Ireland move to BST/IST while Europe moves to CEST, each staying 1 hour apart.