Gambia
Banjul
Current time
Monday, June 22, 2026
- Capital
- Banjul
- Time zone
- Africa/Banjul
- UTC offset
- UTC
The Gambia operates on a single time zone, Africa/Banjul, which follows Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) year-round. Unlike many countries, it does not observe daylight saving time (DST), ensuring consistent scheduling for local and international engagements. This small West African nation shares its time zone with neighboring Senegal and other GMT-aligned countries, simplifying cross-border coordination.
Time Zone and Business Hours
The Gambia's standard business hours typically run from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday, aligning with GMT. Government offices and many private businesses close for lunch between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. During Ramadan, working hours may be adjusted to accommodate fasting periods, with shorter days common in both public and private sectors. International businesses scheduling meetings with Gambian counterparts should account for the GMT offset (UTC+0) and avoid early mornings or late evenings.
For travelers and remote workers, The Gambia's consistent GMT timekeeping eliminates seasonal clock changes. This stability benefits logistics, agriculture, and fishing industries—key sectors in the country. The time difference with New York is -5 hours (EST) or -4 hours (EDT), while London shares the same zone outside British Summer Time. China is consistently +8 hours ahead, requiring careful planning for real-time communications.
FAQ
- Does The Gambia observe daylight saving time?
- No, The Gambia does not observe daylight saving time. It remains on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) year-round.
- What is the time difference between The Gambia and the US East Coast?
- The Gambia is typically 5 hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Time (EST) and 4 hours ahead during Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
- Are business hours affected by holidays in The Gambia?
- Yes, during major holidays like Ramadan, working hours may be shortened, particularly in the afternoon. It's advisable to confirm schedules in advance.