When planning a trip, scheduling a business call, or keeping in touch with loved ones abroad, understanding the time difference between countries is essential. If you’re traveling or communicating between England and Portugal, knowing the exact time difference will help you avoid confusion and ensure smooth coordination.
In this blog post, we’ll explore:
- The current time difference between England and Portugal
- How daylight saving time affects the time difference
- Key cities in both countries and their time zones
- Tips for managing the time difference when traveling or calling
- Historical context of time zones in England and Portugal
1. What Is the Time Difference Between England and Portugal?
The time difference between England (which follows Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or British Summer Time (BST)) and Portugal (which follows Western European Time (WET) or Western European Summer Time (WEST)) depends on the time of year.
Standard Time (Winter Months)
- From late October to late March, Portugal is in the same time zone as England.
- Both countries follow GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) or WET (Western European Time).
- Time Difference: 0 hours
Daylight Saving Time (Summer Months)
- From late March to late October, England switches to BST (British Summer Time, GMT+1), while Portugal switches to WEST (Western European Summer Time, WET+1).
- However, Portugal’s mainland remains in the same time zone as England during this period.
- Time Difference: Still 0 hours
Exception: The Azores Islands (an autonomous region of Portugal) are one hour behind mainland Portugal and England.
| Period | England Time Zone | Portugal Mainland Time Zone | Azores Time Zone | Time Difference (Mainland) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October – March | GMT | WET (GMT) | AZOT (GMT-1) | 0 hours |
| March – October | BST (GMT+1) | WEST (GMT+1) | AZOST (GMT+0) | 0 hours (Azores: -1 hour) |
2. Does Daylight Saving Time Affect the Time Difference?
Both England and Portugal observe Daylight Saving Time (DST), moving their clocks forward by one hour in spring and back by one hour in autumn.
- Clocks move forward: Last Sunday in March (GMT → BST in England, WET → WEST in Portugal)
- Clocks move backward: Last Sunday in October (BST → GMT in England, WEST → WET in Portugal)
Since both countries adjust their clocks simultaneously, the time difference remains the same (0 hours) throughout the year for mainland Portugal.
However, the Azores adjust their clocks as well but remain one hour behind mainland Portugal and England.
3. Key Cities in England and Portugal and Their Time Zones
Major Cities in England (GMT/BST)
- London (Capital)
- Manchester
- Birmingham
- Liverpool
- Leeds
Major Cities in Portugal (WET/WEST)
- Lisbon (Capital)
- Porto
- Faro
- Coimbra
- Madeira (Same as mainland Portugal)
Azores (GMT-1/AZOST)
- Ponta Delgada
4. Tips for Managing the Time Difference Between England and Portugal
Since mainland Portugal and England share the same time zone for most of the year, scheduling calls or travel is straightforward. However, if you’re dealing with the Azores, keep these tips in mind:
For Travelers
- Flights & Itineraries: Double-check local times when booking flights to/from the Azores.
- Business Meetings: If scheduling meetings with Azores-based contacts, confirm whether they are -1 hour behind.
For Remote Workers & Business Calls
- Use tools like World Time Buddy or Google’s time zone converter.
- Always specify “London time” or “Lisbon time” in emails to avoid confusion.
For Family & Friends
- If calling someone in the Azores, remember they may be an hour behind.
5. Historical Context: Why Do England and Portugal Share the Same Time Zone?
- Greenwich Mean Time (GMT): England is the home of GMT, the reference for global time zones.
- Portugal’s Time Zone History: Portugal used to be in a different time zone but aligned with Western European Time for economic and political reasons.
- Daylight Saving Adjustments: Both countries introduced DST to maximize daylight in summer.
6. Common Mistakes About the Time Difference
- Assuming Portugal is always an hour behind – Only the Azores are.
- Forgetting about DST changes – Both countries switch simultaneously.
- Confusing Madeira with the Azores – Madeira follows mainland Portugal’s time.
7. Conclusion
The time difference between England and mainland Portugal is 0 hours year-round due to their shared time zone adjustments. However, the Azores are always one hour behind.
Whether you’re traveling, working remotely, or calling friends, keeping these time zone details in mind will help you stay on schedule.
