Offset
The time difference between Eastern Time and Central European Time is 6 hours.
Eastern Time (EDT) is behind Central European Time (CEST).
EDT: UTC-4
CEST: UTC+2
Both zones are currently observing daylight saving time.
When to schedule
Business-hours overlap: 9 AM–11 AM in Eastern Time (3 PM–5 PM in Central European Time).
Both teams are in working hours during this window on weekdays.
Suggested time: 10:00 AM Eastern Time (4:00 PM Central European Time).
This window may shift by an hour during daylight saving time.
Public holidays in 2026
National public holidays can affect availability — a counterpart is likely off work on their own holidays, so it's worth planning meetings and deadlines around them.
United States
- New Year's DayThu, Jan 1
- Martin Luther King, Jr. DayMon, Jan 19
- Presidents DayMon, Feb 16
- Memorial DayMon, May 25
- Juneteenth National Independence DayFri, Jun 19
- Independence DayFri, Jul 3
- Labour DayMon, Sep 7
- Columbus DayMon, Oct 12
- Veterans DayWed, Nov 11
- Thanksgiving DayThu, Nov 26
- Christmas DayFri, Dec 25
France
- New Year's DayThu, Jan 1
- Easter MondayMon, Apr 6
- Labour DayFri, May 1
- Victory in Europe DayFri, May 8
- Ascension DayThu, May 14
- Whit MondayMon, May 25
- Bastille DayTue, Jul 14
- Assumption DaySat, Aug 15
- All Saints' DaySun, Nov 1
- Armistice DayWed, Nov 11
- Christmas DayFri, Dec 25
About these zones
Eastern Time is also known as EST, or EDT. To call United States, dial +1.
Central European Time is also known as CET, or CEST. To call France, dial +33.
Central European Time is approximately 3,650 miles northeast of Eastern Time.
Quick reference
Full 24-hour conversion table — tap any time to open it in the converter.
| EST | CET | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00 am | 6:00 am | Same day |
| 1:00 am | 7:00 am | Same day |
| 2:00 am | 8:00 am | Same day |
| 3:00 am | 9:00 am | Same day |
| 4:00 am | 10:00 am | Same day |
| 5:00 am | 11:00 am | Same day |
| 6:00 am | 12:00 pm | Same day |
| 7:00 am | 1:00 pm | Same day |
| 8:00 am | 2:00 pm | Same day |
| 9:00 am | 3:00 pm | Same day |
| 10:00 am | 4:00 pm | Same day |
| 11:00 am | 5:00 pm | Same day |
| 12:00 pm | 6:00 pm | Same day |
| 1:00 pm | 7:00 pm | Same day |
| 2:00 pm | 8:00 pm | Same day |
| 3:00 pm | 9:00 pm | Same day |
| 4:00 pm | 10:00 pm | Same day |
| 5:00 pm | 11:00 pm | Same day |
| 6:00 pm | 12:00 am | +1 day |
| 7:00 pm | 1:00 am | +1 day |
| 8:00 pm | 2:00 am | +1 day |
| 9:00 pm | 3:00 am | +1 day |
| 10:00 pm | 4:00 am | +1 day |
| 11:00 pm | 5:00 am | +1 day |
Daylight saving time
Both zones observe daylight saving time, but they transition on different dates.
Eastern Time: next transition on Sunday, November 1, 2026.
Central European Time: next transition on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
For approximately 7 days between transitions, the offset between Eastern Time and Central European Time differs from its typical value. Recurring meetings during this window will shift by one hour.
See the daylight saving time page for transition dates across every time zone.
Daylight today
- Sunrise
- 5:46 AM
- Sunset
- 8:21 PM
- Day length
- 14h 35m
- Sunrise
- 6:14 AM
- Sunset
- 9:42 PM
- Day length
- 15h 28m
Daylight overlap: 9h 56m — 5:46 AM–3:42 PM in Eastern Time (11:46 AM–9:42 PM in Central European Time). Both locations are in daylight during this window.
Cities in these zones
Cities in Eastern Time
Cities in Central European Time
Browse all cities to see the current local time anywhere.
Airports in these zones
Airports in Eastern Time
- EWR
- HPN
- JFK
- LGA
- TEB
- ILG
- PHL
- TTN
- CLT
- USA
Airports in Central European Time
- CDG
- LBG
- ORY
- MRS
- GNB
- LYS
- NCE
Related conversions
Common conversions
- What is 9:00 am EST in CET?
- 9:00 am EST is 3:00 pm CET.
- What is 12:00 pm EST in CET?
- 12:00 pm EST is 6:00 pm CET.
- What is 12:30 pm EST in CET?
- 12:30 pm EST is 6:30 pm CET.
- What is 2:00 pm EST in CET?
- 2:00 pm EST is 8:00 pm CET.
- What is 5:00 pm EST in CET?
- 5:00 pm EST is 11:00 pm CET.
- What is 11:30 pm EST in CET?
- 11:30 pm EST is 5:30 am CET, the next day.