Time in Turkey: what time is it in Turkey now?
See the time in Turkey and the UK live, check the current time difference and convert appointment times between UK and Turkish time.
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How it works
- Read the current timeThe clocks “UK” and “Turkey” show the current time in both countries. Below them, “Time difference now” updates automatically when UK clocks change.
- Enter an appointmentType a date and time into “Date and time in the UK”, for example a phone call or video consultation.
- ConvertClick “Convert” to see the time in Turkey at that moment, including dates after a UK clock change.
- Other directionIf a clinic has given you a time in Turkish time, click “Swap direction” and convert it into UK time.
UTC+3Time in Turkey all year, with no clock changes since 7 September 2016 Source
3 hoursTurkey is ahead of the UK while the UK is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) Source
2 hoursTurkey is ahead of the UK during British Summer Time (BST) Source
28 March 2027Next UK clock change: clocks go forward 1 hour at 1am Source
Time in Turkey: UTC+3 all year
The time in Turkey follows the same rule all year round: it is three hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). According to the IANA time zone database, the international reference used by computers and phones, this has applied since 7 September 2016. Since then, Turkey has not put its clocks forward in spring or back in autumn. The whole country uses one time zone, listed as Europe/Istanbul, so Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir and Ankara always show the same time.
Before 2016, Turkey changed its clocks like the UK, and was two hours ahead of UTC in winter. That is why some older travel guides still mention a clock change in Turkey. Those details are out of date. For your planning, one simple rule is enough today: the difference between the UK and Turkey only changes because the UK changes its clocks. The time in Turkey itself stays on the same rule throughout the year.
Time difference between the UK and Turkey
In winter the UK is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is the same as UTC. In summer it is on British Summer Time (BST), one hour ahead. That gives two values. While the UK is on GMT, Turkey is three hours ahead, so 10am in London is 1pm in Istanbul. During British Summer Time, Turkey is two hours ahead, so 10am in London is 12 noon in Istanbul. The clocks on this page show the current difference automatically.
GOV.UK explains that UK clocks go forward 1 hour at 1am on the last Sunday in March and back 1 hour at 2am on the last Sunday in October. In 2026 the clocks went back on 25 October, so the difference is now three hours. They go forward again on 28 March 2027 and back on 31 October 2027. Around these dates, mix-ups with appointments are common, so check the date carefully when you convert a time.
- 25 October 2026: UK clocks go back, difference 3 hours
- 28 March 2027: UK clocks go forward, difference 2 hours
- 31 October 2027: UK clocks go back, difference 3 hours
Planning calls and appointments with a clinic in Turkey
If you are planning a consultation or treatment in Turkey, times are often given in Turkish local time. If in doubt, ask whether a time means UK or Turkish time, and ask the clinic for written confirmation by email or message. The safest way is to write down both times, for example “2pm Turkish time / 11am UK time”. That way, a video call or a call-back is not missed by two or three hours.
Take extra care with appointments arranged shortly before a UK clock change. A call agreed in March for a date in April may have a different time difference than on the day you arranged it. When you book flights, plan your arrival in local time so your first appointment is not too tight. If you add appointments to a calendar app, choose the Europe/Istanbul time zone for events that take place in Turkey.
Frequently asked questions
What time is it in Turkey now?
The current time is shown in the “Turkey” clock at the top of this page. As a rule, Turkey is three hours ahead of UTC all year. While the UK is on GMT it is three hours later in Turkey, and during British Summer Time it is two hours later. The “Time difference now” line shows the current value automatically.
What is the time difference between the UK and Turkey?
It depends on the time of year. While the UK is on Greenwich Mean Time, Turkey is three hours ahead. During British Summer Time, Turkey is two hours ahead. In both cases it is later in Turkey than in the UK. The time in Turkey itself does not change during the year.
Does Turkey have daylight saving time?
No. According to the IANA time zone database, Turkey has used UTC+3 all year since 7 September 2016 and no longer changes its clocks. The difference to the UK changes only because UK clocks go forward on the last Sunday in March and back on the last Sunday in October.
What time zone is Turkey in?
Turkey has a single time zone, three hours ahead of UTC, usually written as UTC+3. In the IANA time zone database it is listed as Europe/Istanbul. It applies to the whole country. Choose this time zone in your calendar app when you add appointments that take place in Turkey.
Is Istanbul the same time as Antalya?
Yes. Turkey has only one time zone, so Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir, Ankara and all other places share the same time. You do not need to change your watch when travelling within Turkey. Only the difference to the UK changes, depending on whether the UK is on GMT or British Summer Time.
When do the clocks change in the UK?
GOV.UK says the clocks go forward 1 hour at 1am on the last Sunday in March and back 1 hour at 2am on the last Sunday in October. In 2026 they went back on 25 October. The next changes are on 28 March 2027 and 31 October 2027.
How do I convert Turkish time to UK time?
Subtract three hours while the UK is on GMT and two hours during British Summer Time. So 3pm in Istanbul is 12 noon in the UK in winter and 1pm in summer. Or use the converter: click “Swap direction”, enter the date and time, then click “Convert”.
What should I check before calling a clinic in Turkey?
Check whether a time you were given is Turkish or UK time, and write down both. Ask for appointments to be confirmed in writing. Remember that Turkey is two or three hours ahead, so a call in the UK afternoon may fall into the early evening there.
Sources
- IANA Time Zone Database, file “europe” (Europe/Istanbul, Europe/London, EU rules)
- GOV.UK: When do the clocks change?
This tool provides general information and calculates only with the values you enter. It does not replace an examination or advice from a dentist, your health insurer or a financial adviser.
