Central European Summer Time (CEST)
CEST is UTC+2. Current Central European Time (Paris, Berlin) and when CEST applies.
Central European Time (Paris, Berlin) now
--:--:--
Saturday, September 19, 2026
CESTUTC+2
Central European Time is on CEST right now
Exact CEST (UTC+2) time now: --:--:--
About CEST
- Full Name
- Central European Summer Time
- Abbreviation
- CEST
- UTC Offset
- UTC+2
- Central European Time is on
- Daylight Time (CEST)
- Daylight Saving Time
- Central European Time: Ends Oct 25, 2026 · switches between CET and CEST
Central European Summer Time (CEST) is UTC+2, the daylight saving time of most of the European Union from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October. The rest of the year the same countries use Central European Time (CET, UTC+1).
Where CEST is used
Switches between CET and CEST
- Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Austria
- Poland, Czechia, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Hungary and the Balkans
Major Cities in Central European Time
Amsterdam--:--CESTBrussels--:--CESTBudapest--:--CESTCopenhagen--:--CEST
Madrid--:--CESTOslo--:--CEST
Paris--:--CESTPrague--:--CEST
Rome--:--CESTStockholm--:--CESTVienna--:--CESTWarsaw--:--CESTEach city shows its own current abbreviation, so places on daylight saving time are labelled accordingly.
CEST vs Other Time Zones
| Comparison | By definition | Right now (local clocks) |
|---|---|---|
| CEST to CET | -1 hour | Same region |
| CEST to BST | -1 hour | -1 hour |
| CEST to EEST | +1 hour | +1 hour |
| CEST to UTC | -2 hours | -2 hours |
“By definition” compares the fixed offsets of the abbreviations. “Right now” compares the actual local time in each region today, including daylight saving time.
CEST FAQs
What is CEST?
Central European Summer Time (CEST) is UTC+2, the daylight saving time of most of the European Union from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October. The rest of the year the same countries use Central European Time (CET, UTC+1).
What is the UTC offset of CEST?
CEST is always UTC+2. When Central European Time is not on daylight saving time, it uses CET (UTC+1) instead.
Is it CEST or CET right now?
Central European Time is on CEST right now. CEST is UTC+2. Central European Time switches to CET (UTC+1) on Sunday, October 25, 2026 at 3:00 AM.
When does Central European Time switch between CET and CEST?
In 2026, Central European Time switches to CEST on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 2:00 AM (clocks go forward 1 hour) and back on Sunday, October 25, 2026 at 3:00 AM (clocks go back 1 hour).
Is CEST used all year anywhere?
No major region uses CEST all year. It is only in effect during daylight saving time; the rest of the year the same places use CET.