Are you heading to Curaçao soon and wondering what time it actually is there? You’re not the only one. It’s particularly useful to know how the time works in Curaçao when you’re booking a flight, arranging a transfer or wanting to keep in touch with friends and family back home. Fortunately, the time difference between the Netherlands and Curaçao is fairly straightforward. Nevertheless, it causes confusion every year because the Netherlands does observe summer and winter time, whereas Curaçao does not. In this blog, we’ll explain exactly what time it is in Curaçao, how many hours’ time difference there is with the Netherlands, and what you should bear in mind during your trip.
General information about Curaçao
Are you planning your trip to Curaçao? Then check out our tips for the best travel period, daily budget and climate. You will find all information about Curaçao here.
What is the time difference between Curaçao and the Netherlands?
The time difference between the Netherlands and Curaçao varies throughout the year. During the During Dutch winter time, it is 5 hours earlier in Curaçao than in the Netherlands. For example, when it is 3.00 pm in the Netherlands, it is 10.00 am in Curaçao.
During the During Dutch summer time, this difference is 6 hours. If it is 15:00 in the Netherlands, it is 09:00 in Curaçao. This difference arises because Curaçao keeps the same time all year round, whilst the Netherlands changes the clocks twice a year.
Tip: Not sure what time it will be on your departure date? If so, you can simply use a online time difference calculator to see straight away what time it is in Curaçao compared to the Netherlands.
Why does the time in Curaçao often cause confusion?
Many travellers assume that the time difference always remains the same. That is understandable, but not entirely correct. The Netherlands switches to summer time every spring and returns to winter time in the autumn. Curaçao does not follow this practice. As a result, the time difference automatically changes in line with the Dutch clock.
This can be particularly confusing if you’re planning a trip around March or October. You should therefore always check the current time in Curaçao before booking a flight or an excursion.
Does Curaçao have summer or winter time?
No, Curaçao does not observe summer or winter time. The island uses the same time zone all year round: Atlantic Standard Time (AST). As a result, residents and visitors never have to worry about changing the clock. This is convenient for travellers, as the local time on Curaçao remains the same throughout the year. Only the time difference with the Netherlands changes when summer or winter time begins here.
Why is it useful to check the time in Curaçao in advance?
It might seem obvious… but it really is handy to keep an eye on the time difference when booking hotels, flights or excursions. Most people only check the time difference when they’re about to set off. But we know from experience that it’s best to do this whilst you’re booking, so you can avoid any surprises when it comes to:
- Booking airport transfers
- Checking in at your accommodation
- Planning excursions
- Making phone calls or video calls to the Netherlands
- Booking restaurants or activities
Especially if you’re landing late in the evening, it’s good to know in advance what time it actually is locally.
Frequently asked questions about the time in Curaçao
1. What time is it in Curaçao compared to the Netherlands?
That depends on the time of year. During Dutch winter time, it is 5 hours earlier in Curaçao than in the Netherlands. During summer time, this difference increases to 6 hours. Curaçao itself does not observe summer or winter time.
2. What time does it get light and dark in Curaçao?
On Curaçao, the days are fairly consistent all year round. The sun usually rises between 06:00 and 06:30 and sets between 18:15 and 18:45. This means you have around twelve hours of daylight almost every day. That makes planning activities very easy. Whether you’re spending a day at Little Curaçao if you’re going to go snorkelling at Playa Lagun or the I want to climb Christoffelberg, you know exactly when you can set off! This is particularly handy for photographers. After all, the best photos are often taken around sunrise or during the golden hour just before sunset.
3. Do you get jet lag in Curaçao?
Most travellers don’t suffer much from jet lag in Curaçao. Although the time difference with the Netherlands is five or six hours, you’re flying westwards. For many people, this is easier to cope with than a trip to Asia. You may find yourself waking up a bit earlier during the first few days, but your body usually adapts quickly to the local rhythm. A useful tip is to try to live as much as possible according to Curaçao time during the flight itself.
4. When is the best time to check the time in Curaçao if you’re going on a trip?
We recommend checking the current time in Curaçao on several occasions. Check the time difference immediately after booking your flight, so that you know when you’ll arrive. Also, check the local time again a week before departure to plan any excursions, transfers and any phone calls home. Just before you set off, check once more whether the Netherlands has switched to summer or winter time.
5. Does the time in Curaçao change during the year?
No, Curaçao does not have summer or winter time. The clock stays the same all year round. As a result, the only time difference with the Netherlands changes when we change the clocks in March or October. During our summer time, it is six hours earlier on Curaçao than in the Netherlands. During Dutch winter time, the difference is five hours.
6. What is the best time to call the Netherlands from Curaçao?
Many travellers still work online from time to time whilst on holiday, or want to keep in touch with family and friends. Due to the time difference, the morning in Curaçao is often ideal. For example, when it is 09:00 in Curaçao, it is usually 14:00 or 15:00 in the Netherlands.
7. What time does the sun set on Curaçao?
The sun usually sets on Curaçao between 18:15 and 18:45. As the island is close to the equator, the length of the days varies very little throughout the year.
8. What time does the sun rise in Curaçao?
The sun usually rises between 06:00 and 06:30. This makes the island ideal for early morning walks, excursions and sunrise photography.
9. Is the time in Aruba the same as in Curaçao?
Yes. Aruba and Curaçao are in the same time zone and have the same time all year round.
10. How many hours is the flight to Curaçao?
A direct flight from the Netherlands to Curaçao takes between 9 and 10 hours on average, depending on the airline and weather conditions.
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