Time in Iran facts for kids

Iran on a map.

Iran Standard Time (IRST), also known as Iran Time (IRT), is the official time zone used in the country of Iran. This time is set 3.5 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+03:30). Sometimes, Iran uses Iran Daylight Time (IRDT) during warmer months. This means the clocks are moved forward to UTC+04:30. For a short period, from 2006 to 2007, Iran did not use IRDT, but it was brought back on March 21, 2008.

What is Iran Standard Time?

Iran Standard Time (IRST) is the specific time zone that people in Iran follow. Every country or region has a time zone to help keep daily life organized. Imagine if everyone in the world had the same time! It would be dark in some places when it's noon in others. Time zones help us manage this by dividing the world into different sections, each with its own time.

How Does Time Work?

The world uses a special time called Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) as a main reference. Think of UTC as the "master clock" for the entire planet. All other time zones are measured by how many hours they are ahead of or behind UTC. For example, Iran Standard Time is UTC+03:30, which means it is three and a half hours ahead of this global reference time.

What About Daylight Saving Time?

Many places around the world use something called Daylight Saving Time (DST). This is when clocks are moved forward by one hour during spring or summer. The idea is to make better use of daylight. By shifting the clocks, evenings have more daylight, and mornings start a little darker. When autumn comes, the clocks are moved back one hour to standard time. In Iran, this special time is called Iran Daylight Time (IRDT).

When Does Daylight Saving Time Happen in Iran?

In Iran, Daylight Saving Time usually begins on March 21 or 22. This date is based on the Persian calendar, specifically the month of Farvardin. The clocks are then moved back to standard time on September 21 or 22, which is during the Persian month of Shahrivar. This means people in Iran enjoy longer daylight evenings for about six months of the year.