Time zone and time difference
The Seychelles keep Seychelles Time (SCT), which is UTC+4. It is the same across the whole country, whether you are on Mahé, Praslin or La Digue. The clocks are never changed, so the time stays the same all year round.
The Seychelles are 4 hours ahead of GMT, 3 hours ahead of British Summer Time and 2 hours ahead of Central European Summer Time.
Difference to Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Great Britain
| Country | Winter time (Seychelles ahead) | Summer time (Seychelles ahead) |
|---|---|---|
| Germany, Austria, Switzerland | 3 hours | 2 hours |
| Great Britain | 4 hours (GMT) | 3 hours (British summer time) |
| Mauritius, Dubai | none | none |
Daylight in the Seychelles
Visitors enjoy almost 12 hours of daylight all year round, with sunrise at around 6:00 am and sunset at about 6:10 pm. To be more precise: at the end of October the sun rises in Victoria at about 5:55 am and sets at about 6:10 pm, while in April it is around 6:15 am and 6:15 pm. The length of the day varies very little over the year.
Twilight is short. After sunset it takes only a little over 20 minutes to get dark. Plan your return from hikes, beach visits and any journeys on foot or by hire car so that you arrive at your destination before 6:00 pm.
Making the most of the day
The early morning hours are the coolest and the best time for excursions. If you would like to walk the trails of the Seychelles, it is best to set off just after sunrise. You will find more on the page Hiking in the Seychelles. For the weather through the year, read Climate and Weather and the best time to visit.
Practical points on time, here and at home
Jet lag
With a difference of 2 to 3 hours, jet lag from Europe is minimal. It is the long flight that tires you out more. It helps to get out into the daylight early on your first day and not to go to bed too late in the evening. On the flight home, the same applies in reverse.
Phoning home
Office and business hours of 9:00 to 17:00 Seychelles time correspond to 6:00 to 14:00 in Germany in winter and 7:00 to 15:00 in summer. At 20:00 in the evening in the Seychelles, it is 17:00 in Germany in winter and 18:00 in summer. The dialling code for the Seychelles is +248. You will find more on networks and roaming under Phone and Internet.
Watches and mobile phones
Smartphones usually switch to local time automatically. With wristwatches and cameras, it is worth checking when you arrive. Opening hours for shops, banks and public offices are given in local time and can be found on the page Opening Hours in the Seychelles.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Seychelles change their clocks?
No. The clocks stay on UTC+4 all year round.
Is the time the same on all the islands?
Yes, the whole country is in one time zone, including the outer islands.
What is the time difference to Germany?
3 hours in winter and 2 hours in summer. The Seychelles are always ahead of Germany.
When does the sun rise and set?
Sunrise is at around 6:00 am throughout the year, and sunset at around 6:10 pm.
Back to Bringing pets or on to Money and banks in the Seychelles. For further tips on preparing for your trip, see the travel checklist and the page Your first visit to the Seychelles.
