Budapest time zone at a glanceBudapest uses CET (UTC+1) in standard time and CEST (UTC+2) during daylight saving.

CET in winter, CEST in summer

Use Europe/Budapest for devices and calendars so the correct seasonal rule is applied automatically.

Standard timeCET · UTC+1

Winter period.

Daylight timeCEST · UTC+2

Summer period.

IdentifierEurope/Budapest

Year-independent.

Daylight saving time and the annual clock-change rule

Budapest follows the European rule: daylight saving time begins on the last Sunday in March and ends on the last Sunday in October. The calendar date changes each year, but the rule remains stable.

Daylight saving beginsLast Sunday in March

At 02:00, clocks move forward to 03:00.

Standard time returnsLast Sunday in October

At 03:00, clocks move back to 02:00.

Connected phones and computers normally update automatically. Double-check flights, trains and appointments on transition nights.

Frequently asked questions about Budapest time

Does Budapest observe daylight saving time?

Budapest uses CET (UTC+1) during standard time and CEST (UTC+2) during daylight saving time.

When does daylight saving time start in Budapest?

Daylight saving time starts on the last Sunday in March. At 02:00 local time, clocks move forward to 03:00, changing from CET to CEST.

When do the clocks change again in Budapest?

Budapest returns to standard time on the last Sunday in October. At 03:00 local time, clocks move back to 02:00, changing from CEST to CET.

Method and reference