Summer time in Europe: clocks tick like in Namibia

Yesterday, Namibia was one hour ahead of Europe. Today, both sides are on the same time (current time in Windhoek). This is because last night Europe put its clocks forward by one hour to 3.00 am at 2.00 am.

The switch to daylight saving time (see article on Wikipedia) or Central Europe Summer Time (CEST) always takes place on the last Sunday in March. It lasts until the last Sunday in October. Europe then switches back to winter time (Central Europe Time, CET).

During summer time, Europe and Namibia are on the same time. During winter time, Europe is one hour behind Namibia. Namibia is on Central African Time (CAT) all year round. In 2017, it abolished its time changeover (see Wikipedia.

For holidaymakers from Europe travelling to Namibia, this means no time difference on the flight until the end of October. And between the end of October and the end of March, the flight is seemingly shortened by one hour.

Nevertheless, there is no jet lag. The direct and indirect return flights between Europe and Namibia take place at night. The aircraft therefore takes off in the afternoon or evening and lands at its destination in the morning.

Sven-Eric Stender