Time in Ukraine facts for kids

Ukraine uses different time zones to keep track of time. Most of the country follows Eastern European Time (EET) during the colder months. When summer comes, they switch to Eastern European Summer Time (EEST) to make the most of the daylight. However, some eastern parts of Ukraine and Crimea use Moscow Time (MSK) all year round.

Time zones across Europe: * Western European Time (WET) is used in places like Iceland, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. * Central European Time (CET) is common from Norway down to Southern Europe. * Eastern European Time (EET) is used in countries like Finland and Greece, and also in most of Ukraine. * Further-eastern European Time (FET) is used in places like Belarus and parts of Russia.

Ukraine's Time Zones Explained

Most of Ukraine uses two main time zones. The first is Eastern European Time (EET), which is two hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+02:00). This is their standard time, used for most of the year.

When summer arrives, Ukraine switches to Eastern European Summer Time (EEST). This time zone is three hours ahead of UTC (UTC+03:00). This change helps save energy and lets people enjoy longer evenings.

Time in Eastern Ukraine

While most of Ukraine uses EET and EEST, the eastern parts of the country and the Crimea region follow a different time. They use Moscow Time (MSK), which is always three hours ahead of UTC (UTC+03:00). These areas do not change their clocks for daylight saving time.

How Daylight Saving Time Works

Daylight saving time is a system where clocks are moved forward by one hour during the warmer months. This means that evenings have more daylight, and mornings have less. Ukraine has been using daylight saving time since 1981, when it was part of the Soviet Union.

When Ukraine Changes Time

Ukraine switches to Eastern European Summer Time (EEST) on the last Sunday in March. At 3:00 AM local time, clocks are moved forward to 4:00 AM. This gives everyone an extra hour of daylight in the evening.

Then, on the last Sunday in October, Ukraine switches back to Eastern European Time (EET). At 4:00 AM local time, clocks are moved backward to 3:00 AM. This brings the country back to its standard time for the winter months.

See also

In Spanish: Hora de Ucrania para niños