Somalia
Mogadishu
Current time
Monday, June 22, 2026
- Capital
- Mogadishu
- Time zone
- Africa/Mogadishu
- UTC offset
- UTC+3
Somalia operates on East Africa Time (EAT), which is UTC+3 year-round. The country does not observe daylight saving time (DST), so the time remains consistent throughout the year. This makes scheduling with international partners simpler, as no seasonal adjustments are required. Somalia shares its time zone with neighboring countries like Kenya and Ethiopia, facilitating regional coordination.
Time Zone and Business Hours
Somalia follows a single time zone, Africa/Mogadishu (UTC+3), aligning it with much of East Africa. Business hours typically run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a midday break common during Ramadan. The lack of DST means no clock changes, simplifying international scheduling. For remote work or calls, note that Somalia is 8 hours ahead of New York (EST), 5 hours ahead of London (GMT), and 5 hours behind Beijing (CST).
Government offices and banks often close for Friday prayers, reopening later in the afternoon. While weekends officially fall on Saturday and Sunday, some businesses may adjust hours for cultural or religious observances. During Ramadan, working hours may shift earlier to accommodate fasting. Always confirm meeting times in advance to account for local customs.
International Coordination
Somalia's UTC+3 time zone aligns with major East African trading partners, streamlining cross-border business. For global teams, the time difference can be challenging: mornings in Somalia overlap with late-night hours in the Americas, while afternoons coincide with European workdays. Virtual meetings often require compromise, with early mornings or late afternoons in Somalia being the most practical windows.
Public holidays, such as Independence Day (July 1) and Islamic observances, can affect availability. Unlike countries with DST, Somalia’s consistent time zone eliminates seasonal scheduling confusion. When planning calls or deadlines, use tools like world-clock.app to convert times accurately, accounting for both Somalia’s UTC+3 and the recipient’s local time.
FAQ
- Does Somalia observe daylight saving time?
- No, Somalia does not observe daylight saving time (DST). It remains on East Africa Time (UTC+3) year-round.
- What time is it in Somalia compared to the UK?
- Somalia is 3 hours ahead of the UK during GMT (winter) and 2 hours ahead during BST (summer).
- Are business hours affected during Ramadan?
- Yes, working hours often shift earlier during Ramadan to accommodate fasting, with extended midday breaks.