Ethiopia Time and Date

Interactive Ethiopia time and date web app with current time, date, month and year. Ethiopia is on East Africa Time (EAT)… read more

Time in Ethiopia

While most of the world adheres to the conventional 24-hour clock, where the day starts at midnight and progresses from there, Ethiopia stands apart with its unique 12-hour system. In Ethiopia, the day officially commences at sunrise, which is precisely at 6:00 AM Ethiopian Standard Time (EAT). From there, the daytime cycle unfolds, stretching seamlessly until dusk, reaching its end at 5:59 PM EAT. The nighttime cycle takes over, commencing at 6:00 PM EAT and extending uninterrupted until the next sunrise.

Ethiopians also do not use the term “AM” or “PM” to refer to the time of day. Instead, they use the terms “morning” and “evening”.

Date in Ethiopia

Ethiopia follows a unique calendar that spans 13 months, differing from the standard 12-month Gregorian calendar. Each month in the Ethiopian calendar encompasses 30 days, and the 13th month, Pagume, fluctuates between 5 or 6 days, depending on whether it is a leap year.

The Ethiopian calendar is deeply intertwined with cultural and religious events, influencing celebrations, festivals, and communal activities. Understanding this unique calendar provides insights into the rhythm of Ethiopian life and the cultural richness embedded in its temporal fabric.

Ethiopia Time Zone

Ethiopia is positioned within the East Africa Time Zone (EAT), maintaining a consistent UTC+3 offset. EAT remains uniform throughout the entire country, ensuring that all regions adhere to the same timekeeping standards. The standardized time zone simplifies communication and coordination within Ethiopia.

Ethiopia Time and Date FAQs

Why does Ethiopia use a 12-hour clock?

Ethiopia’s consistent daylight, owing to its equatorial proximity, has led to the adoption of a 12-hour clock system. With one cycle from dawn to dusk and the other from dusk to dawn, Ethiopia’s timekeeping stands in contrast to the midnight start common in many countries.

What is Ethiopia’s 13th month called?

Ethiopia’s 13th month is known as Pagume, derived from the Greek word “epagomene,” meaning “days.”

Why is Ethiopia 7 years behind the rest of the world?

Ethiopia’s calendar divergence traces back to 1582 when the Christian world transitioned from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar. Ethiopia retained the older system, resulting in a seven-year and eight-month discrepancy with the widely adopted Gregorian calendar.

Why does Ethiopia use a 13-month calendar?

Ethiopia’s unique calendar system reflects its distinct calculation of Jesus Christ’s birth year. While the Catholic Church adjusted its calculation in 500 AD, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church did not, leading to Ethiopia’s new year beginning on September 11th (or 12th in leap years) in the Western calendar, signifying the start of spring.

What time is it in Ethiopia right now?

Ethiopia operates on Eastern African Time (EAT), aligning with GMT +3. See above for the current time in Ethiopia.

What year is it in Ethiopia?

Ethiopia follows the Ethiopian calendar, placing it seven years and eight months behind the Gregorian calendar. Currently, the Ethiopian year is 2017 EC, equivalent to the 2024 Gregorian calendar year.