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Spain's Time Zone: Time Difference Between Spain and the USA

Kelly Summerell Buying Property in Spain | Spanish Lifestyle
September 2023 4 minute read

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Introduction

Spain, with its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and beautiful properties, is an attractive destination for Americans looking to relocate to Europe or buy a second home here for vacations or as a vacation home investment.

As a real estate agent based in Spain, we think it is crucial to provide our American audience with helpful and accurate information. One essential aspect to consider is the time difference between Spain and the various time zones in the United States. In this article, we'll explore Spain's time zone and break down the time differences across America, making it easier for potential buyers to plan their interactions with our real estate agency. Mediterranean Homes are a leading real estate agent in the Costa del Sol region. We sell properties in the popular towns for American expats in La Cala de Mijas & surrounding areas and the Guadalhorce Valley.

Current local time in
Málaga, Spain

Spain's Time Zone

Spain falls within the Central European Time Zone (CET) during Standard Time and Central European Summer Time (CEST) during Daylight Saving Time. CET is UTC+1, while CEST is UTC+2.

Spain's Time Zone

When is Daylight Saving Time Observed in Spain?

Spain typically switches to CEST (Central European Summer Time) from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October. This is when Daylight Saving Time is observed.

Time differences between Spain and the major time zones in the United States

Note: CET (Central European Time) applies to the Monday after the last Sunday of October to the Monday after the last Sunday in March.

Eastern Time Zone (ET)

When Spain is on Standard Time (CET), it is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time (UTC-5).
When Spain is on Daylight Saving Time (CEST), it is 5 hours ahead of Eastern Time (UTC-4).

So, if you wanted to call our office at 9am about a property we have for sale on the Costa del Sol (the early bird catches the worm!) then you would need to call us at 3am your local time (or 4am during CEST).

Central Time Zone (CT)

When Spain is on Standard Time (CET), it is 7 hours ahead of Central Time (UTC-6).
When Spain is on Daylight Saving Time (CEST), it is 6 hours ahead of Central Time (UTC-5).

So, if you wanted to call our office at 9am then you would need to call us at 2am your local time (or 3am during CEST).

Mountain Time Zone (MT)

When Spain is on Standard Time (CET), it is 8 hours ahead of Mountain Time (UTC-7).
When Spain is on Daylight Saving Time (CEST), it is 7 hours ahead of Mountain Time (UTC-6).

So, if you wanted to call our office at 9am then you would need to call us at 1am your local time (or 2am during CEST).

Pacific Time Zone (PT)

When Spain is on Standard Time (CET), it is 9 hours ahead of Pacific Time (UTC-8).
When Spain is on Daylight Saving Time (CEST), it is 8 hours ahead of Pacific Time (UTC-7).

So, if you wanted to call our office at 9am then you would need to call us at 12am your local time (or 1am during CEST).

Alaska Time Zone (AKT)

When Spain is on Standard Time (CET), it is 10 hours ahead of Alaska Time (UTC-9).
When Spain is on Daylight Saving Time (CEST), it is 9 hours ahead of Alaska Time (UTC-8).

So, if you wanted to call our office at 9am then you would need to call us at 11pm your local time (or 12am during CEST).

Hawaii-Aleutian Time Zone (HAST)

When Spain is on Standard Time (CET), it is 11 hours ahead of Hawaii-Aleutian Time (UTC-10).
When Spain is on Daylight Saving Time (CEST), it is 10 hours ahead of Hawaii-Aleutian Time (UTC-9).

So, if you wanted to call our office at 9am then you would need to call us at 10pm your local time (or 11pm during CEST).

Conclusion

Understanding the time difference between Spain and the various time zones in the United States is vital for both your American visitors and your agency's operations. Providing this information on your website can help potential buyers plan their interactions with your team, ensuring smooth communication and a seamless experience. So whether they are dreaming of a coastal villa in Costa del Sol or a charming apartment in Barcelona, your estate agency is well-prepared to assist them in their Spanish property journey, no matter where they are in the United States.

Map of Time Zones in America

See below a really useful map showing the major time zones in America and which states they apply to. Courtesy of The National Institute of Standards and Technology.