
Cabo verde time zone
At a glance
Time zone: Cape Verde Time (CVT), UTC-1.
Daylight saving: none. The clocks never change.
Difference to the UK and Portugal: 1 hour in winter, 2 hours in summer. Cape Verde is always behind.
Difference to central Europe: 2 hours in winter, 3 hours in summer.
Difference to New York: Cape Verde is 4 hours ahead in winter, 3 hours ahead in summer.
Difference to Brazil (São Paulo): Cape Verde is 2 hours ahead.

Calheta in Sao Vicente island Cape Verde
Cape Verde Time (CVT)
The Time Zone of Cape Verde
Cape Verde operates on Cape Verde Time (CVT), which is one hour behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-1). This time zone is unique as the country does not observe daylight saving time. Therefore, the time difference between Cape Verde and other countries remains consistent throughout the year.
For example, when it is 12:00 in London (UTC+0), it is 11:00 in Cape Verde. This consistent time difference simplifies travel plans and communication with Cape Verde, as there is no need to adjust for seasonal time changes.
Cape Verde's time zone aligns well with its geographical location. Given the compact size of the archipelago, sunrise and sunset times are fairly consistent across all islands. This stability in daylight hours contributes to the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere of the islands, making it easier for visitors to adjust and enjoy their stay.
Whether you are planning a beach vacation, a cultural exploration, or an active adventure, knowing the time zone helps you make the most out of your trip to Cape Verde.

Fresh Tuna fish at the fish market in Cape Verde
Time Difference Between Cape Verde and Major Capitals Around the World
Here are the time differences between Cape Verde and major capitals around the world in bullet points:
- Tokyo, Japan: CVT is 10 hours behind.
- Beijing, China: CVT is 9 hours behind.
- New York City, USA: CVT is 4 hours ahead (EST) / 3 hours ahead (EDT).
- São Paulo, Brazil: CVT is 2 hours ahead.
- London, United Kingdom: CVT is 1 hour behind (GMT) / 2 hours behind (BST).
- Paris, France: CVT is 2 hours behind (CET) / 3 hours behind (CEST).
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: CVT is 4 hours behind.
- Dubai, UAE: CVT is 5 hours behind.
- Sydney, Australia: CVT is 11 hours behind (AEST) / 12 hours behind (AEDT).
- New Delhi, India: CVT is 6 hours and 30 minutes behind.

Fish Market in cape Verde
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cape Verde change its clocks in the summer?
No. Cape Verde maintains UTC-1 throughout the year. The countries that change it are Portugal, the United Kingdom, continental Europe, and several others. That's why the time difference appears to shift, when in reality it only shifts on the other side.
How many hours is the time difference between Portugal and Cape Verde?
One hour in winter and two hours in summer, with Cape Verde always lagging behind. Between the end of March and the end of October, it's two hours.
And what about between Brazil and Cape Verde?
Cape Verde is two hours ahead of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasília. The difference may vary depending on changes in Brazilian time, so confirm before scheduling anything important.
Will I experience jet lag in Cape Verde?
Coming from Portugal, Brazil, or Angola, practically nothing. They are small differences that the body absorbs effortlessly. Coming from the United States or Asia, the story is different.
Do all the islands have the same time?
Yes. The nine inhabited islands use the same time zone, and sunrise and sunset times vary by only a few minutes between them.
A time zone that never changes, in a country where nobody is in a hurry. Perhaps it's no coincidence.
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