Sydney Time Zone: The Complete Guide
Your complete guide to time in Australia's global harbor city
Whether you're coordinating with Australian colleagues, planning a trip to see the Sydney Opera House, or tracking the ASX opening — understanding Sydney's time zone (and Australia's unique DST situation) is essential for global business.
Sydney operates on Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) in winter and Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) in summer. As Australia's largest city and financial hub, Sydney time drives business across the Asia-Pacific region.
The tricky part? Australia's seasons are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere, and not all Australian states observe daylight saving time. Queensland (Brisbane) stays on AEST year-round, creating a 1-hour difference with Sydney in summer!
⚡ Quick Facts: Sydney Time Zone
Time Zone Details
- • Zone: AEST/AEDT (UTC+10)
- • Full Name: Australian Eastern Time
- • Daylight Saving: Observed
- • DST Period: Oct → Apr
Location & Region
- • Coordinates: 33.9°S, 151.2°E
- • Region: Oceania
Best Overlap Windows:
Need exact conversions? Try our Time Converter or Meeting Planner
Explore the Complete Guide
Business Hours
Bank, shop, and restaurant hours in Sydney
Best Time to Visit
Weather, crowds, and events by season
Remote Work
Working with Sydney teams across time zones
24 Hours in Sydney
How Sydneysiders live around the clock
Best Time to Call
Optimal calling windows from any country
ASX Hours
Australian stock exchange trading times
Public Holidays
Australian holidays and what closes
Digital Nomad
Coworking, beach cafés, and costs
Time Difference
Sydney time compared to major cities
Travel Planning
Flights, airports, and jet lag tips
Understanding Sydney Time
Australia's Confusing DST Situation
Unlike most countries where the entire nation follows the same DST rules, Australia is divided. New South Wales (Sydney), Victoria (Melbourne), Tasmania, South Australia, and ACT observe daylight saving. Queensland (Brisbane), Western Australia (Perth), and Northern Territory do not.
This means Sydney and Brisbane — just 700km apart — have a 1-hour time difference for half the year. When scheduling meetings with "Australia," always confirm which state.
The Asia-Pacific Bridge
Sydney's position makes it the gateway between Asia and the Americas. Morning in Sydney overlaps with Tokyo and Singapore's business day. Sydney's evening catches US West Coast waking up. This makes Sydney a strategic hub for global operations.
Sydney Morning (9 AM AEDT)
Sydney Evening (6 PM AEDT)
- • New York: 2 AM (same day, EST)
- • Los Angeles: 11 PM (prev day)
- • London: 7 AM
- • Dubai: 11 AM
Pro tip: The time difference between Sydney and Northern Hemisphere cities can swing by up to 3 hours through the year as both regions shift clocks in opposite directions.
Sydney Time vs Major Cities
| City | Difference | When it's 12 PM in Sydney |
|---|---|---|
| 🥝 Auckland | +2 hours | 2:00 PM |
| 🦁 Singapore | -2 hours | 10:00 AM |
| 🍣 Tokyo | -1 hour | 11:00 AM |
| 🌃 Hong Kong | -2 hours | 10:00 AM |
| 🌴 Los Angeles | -18 hours | 6:00 PM (prev) |
| 🎡 London | -10 hours | 2:00 AM |
| 🏙️ Dubai | -6 hours | 6:00 AM |
| 🏯 Seoul | -1 hour | 11:00 AM |
* Times shown use standard time. During DST transitions, differences may vary by 1 hour. See detailed time differences →
Need to schedule a meeting with Sydney?
Find the perfect meeting time across the hemispheres.
🚀Launch Meeting PlannerPractical Tips for Dealing with Sydney Time
🏢 For International Business
Sydney-US calls are tough: New York's 5 PM catches Sydney's 9 AM (workable but early). London has better options: 7 AM GMT catches Sydney's 6 PM (end of day). For Asia, Sydney morning aligns perfectly with Tokyo and Singapore business hours.
✈️ For Travellers
Flying from the US or Europe? Prepare for serious jet lag — you're shifting 10-16 hours across the planet. Most overnight flights from the US arrive in Sydney morning, which helps reset your clock. Flights from Asia are much easier (2-5 hour shift). Check our Jet Lag Advisor.
💼 For Remote Workers
Working remotely with US or European teams from Sydney requires flexibility. Many adopt "split shifts" — working Sydney morning for Asia, taking a break, then late evening for US calls. The vibrant café culture and reliable infrastructure make Sydney popular for digital nomads targeting Asia-Pacific markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time difference between Sydney and New York right now?
Sydney is typically 16 hours ahead of New York during US Eastern Standard Time (EST). When it's 9:00 AM in New York, it's 1:00 AM the next day in Sydney. During US daylight saving (EDT), the difference can be 14-15 hours. Both countries observe DST but in opposite seasons.
Does Sydney use daylight saving time?
Yes, Sydney and New South Wales observe daylight saving time (DST). Clocks spring forward on the first Sunday of October and fall back on the first Sunday of April. Note: Not all Australian states observe DST — Queensland, Western Australia, and Northern Territory do not change clocks.
What time does the Australian Stock Exchange open and close?
The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) in Sydney opens at 10:00 AM and closes at 4:00 PM AEST/AEDT, Monday through Friday. Pre-market trading runs 7:00-10:00 AM. For New York investors, that's 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM ET (previous evening). For London, it's 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM GMT.
What is the best time to call Sydney from the UK?
The best time to call Sydney from the UK is between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM GMT, which reaches Sydney during their afternoon/evening (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM AEDT). Alternatively, UK evening calls (6-8 PM GMT) catch Sydney's early morning (5-7 AM AEDT) if your contact is an early riser.
How many hours ahead is Sydney from London?
Sydney is typically 11 hours ahead of London during GMT (UK winter). When it's 12:00 PM in London, it's 11:00 PM in Sydney. During British Summer Time and Australian winter (April-October overlap), the difference reduces to 9 hours due to opposite DST schedules.
What time zone is Sydney Australia in?
Sydney is in Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST, UTC+10) during winter and Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT, UTC+11) during summer. AEST/AEDT covers New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and ACT. Queensland stays on AEST year-round (no DST).
When do clocks change in Sydney Australia in 2025?
In 2025, Sydney clocks spring forward to AEDT on Sunday, October 5th at 2:00 AM (clocks move to 3:00 AM). Clocks fall back to AEST on Sunday, April 6th at 3:00 AM (clocks move to 2:00 AM). Remember: Australian seasons are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere.
What are typical business hours in Sydney Australia?
Standard Sydney business hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM AEST/AEDT, Monday through Friday. The financial district in Martin Place often starts earlier (8:00 AM) to overlap with Asian markets close. Retail shops typically open 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended Thursday night shopping until 9:00 PM.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
This overview is just the start. Explore our detailed guides: