Azores Standard Time

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about AZOT, daylight saving, and how to handle it in software. Can't find what you need? Email [email protected].

Why are the Azores one hour behind mainland Portugal?

Historically and geographically, the Azores sit much farther west into the Atlantic—about 1,500 km from Lisbon—so a UTC-01:00 standard offset better matches their solar time.

Do the Azores follow the same daylight saving schedule as continental Portugal?

Yes: they spring forward on the last Sunday of March and fall back on the last Sunday of October, staying in sync with Lisbon even though their baseline offset is one hour different.

What does overlapping UTC+00 mean for summer life in the Azores?

From March to October, clocks match Western European Time, easing real-time collaboration with London and Casablanca while keeping evenings beautifully long in Ponta Delgada and Horta.

Is Azores Standard Time used anywhere outside the Azores archipelago?

No—AZOT is exclusive to the Portuguese Azores. It is the only time region in the world defined around this standard offset and DST pattern pair.

How far into the future is the next scheduled DST transition?

The next local 'fall back' presently scheduled is late October, returning the Azores to UTC-01:00 standard time for the winter season.

What are the quirkiest travel-planning facts about AZOT?

Because the islands lie so far west, their sunsets are noticeably later than Lisbon's on the same clock hour, and travelers often gain a bonus hour of evening light in summer.

Does DST affect ferry and inter-island flight schedules?

Airlines and ferry operators publish seasonal timetables that automatically account for the shift, but visitors converting from mainland Portugal should watch for clock-change weekends.