If you’re trying to figure out what is the time in Botswana right now, the short answer is that the entire country runs on Central Africa Time (CAT). This puts it exactly two hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+2).
Honestly, it’s one of the easiest places to track if you're traveling or doing business there. Why? Because Botswana doesn't do the whole "spring forward, fall back" thing. They haven't touched their clocks for Daylight Saving Time since the 1940s.
Right now, in early 2026, if it’s noon in London (which is on GMT), it’s 2:00 PM in Gaborone. If you’re calling from New York during the winter, Botswana is 7 hours ahead of you. Simple.
Understanding Central Africa Time (CAT)
Botswana is a massive country—about the size of France or Texas—but it only uses one time zone. Whether you are watching the sunrise over the salt pans of Makgadikgadi or catching a flight out of the capital, Gaborone, the time stays exactly the same.
This UTC+2 offset is shared by several neighbors. If you cross the border into South Africa, Zimbabwe, or Zambia, you won't need to adjust your watch. They all keep the same rhythm.
No Daylight Saving Time (DST)
A lot of people get tripped up by this. Many countries in the northern hemisphere shift their clocks twice a year, which makes time differences feel like a moving target.
Botswana doesn't play that game.
They tried it once, way back in 1943 and 1944 during World War II, but they quickly ditched it. Since March 19, 1944, the clocks in Botswana have remained steady. This means the time difference between Botswana and a place like the United States or Europe will change depending on when those countries switch their clocks, not because anything changed in Botswana.
Why the Time in Botswana Matters for Travelers
If you’re planning a safari in the Okavango Delta, time isn't just a number on a screen. It dictates your entire experience.
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Most lodges operate on a "safari schedule." This usually means a wake-up call around 5:30 AM or 6:00 AM. In the summer months (November to February), the sun rises early, and the heat hits fast. You want to be out in the bush while the lions are still active and the air is cool.
- Sunrise: Usually between 5:30 AM and 6:30 AM depending on the season.
- Sunset: Typically between 6:00 PM and 7:15 PM.
The "Golden Hour" for photography is incredibly brief here. Because Botswana is relatively close to the equator compared to Europe or North America, the transition from day to night happens fast. One minute the sky is orange; ten minutes later, it's pitch black and the stars are out.
Business and Communication with Botswana
Working with teams in Gaborone? You've gotta keep that UTC+2 offset in mind.
Standard business hours usually run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, many government offices and some shops might take a slightly longer lunch break or close early on Fridays.
Quick Reference for 2026 Time Differences:
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When it is 12:00 PM (Noon) in Gaborone, it is:
- London: 10:00 AM (Winter/GMT) or 11:00 AM (Summer/BST)
- New York: 5:00 AM (Standard Time) or 6:00 AM (Daylight Time)
- Sydney: 9:00 PM (AEST) or 10:00 PM (AEDT)
- Dubai: 2:00 PM
The country’s dialing code is +267. If you're setting up a Zoom call, just remember that CAT is the same as South African Standard Time (SAST).
The History of the Ticking Clock
Before 1903, the area we now call Botswana (then the Bechuanaland Protectorate) used various local mean times. Basically, people set their clocks by the sun in their specific village. It was a mess for the railways.
Eventually, the region adopted a standardized system to align with the growing rail networks and telegraph lines coming up from South Africa. By 1903, the country officially landed on Central Africa Time, and they haven't looked back.
Actionable Tips for Syncing Up
If you're heading to Botswana or managing a project there, don't rely on your memory of what the time "usually" is.
- Check the "Switch" dates: If you live in the US or UK, mark your calendar for March and October. These are the months your time difference with Botswana will shift by an hour.
- Use Gaborone as your anchor: When using world clock apps, "Gaborone" is the most reliable city to search for to get the accurate local time.
- Safari Bookings: Always confirm your bush flight times in local Botswana time. These pilots are on a tight schedule and "Africa time" (the idea of being fashionably late) does not apply to aviation.
Knowing the time in Botswana is really just about remembering that UTC+2 never changes. Whether it's the middle of a scorching January or a chilly July night in the Kalahari, the clock remains a constant.