UTC to WAT Converter

Convert between Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and West Africa Time (WAT).

UTC

=

WAT (West Africa Time)

UTC to WAT Converter
WAT to UTC Converter
UTC (Coordinated Universal Time)
  • Offset: UTC+0 (no offset)
  • Description: The primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks and time
  • Usage: Used as the reference for all other time zones
  • Countries: Used worldwide as the standard reference
WAT (West Africa Time)
  • Offset: UTC+1 (1 hour ahead of UTC)
  • Countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, São Tomé and Príncipe
  • Major Cities: Lagos, Accra, Douala, Kinshasa, Luanda, Bangui, N'Djamena, Brazzaville, Malabo, Libreville, São Tomé
  • Region: West and Central Africa
  • DST: No daylight saving time observed
Key Difference: West Africa Time (WAT) is 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). This means when it's 12:00 PM UTC, it's 1:00 PM WAT.

Time Difference between UTC and WAT

West Africa Time (WAT) is 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time.

UTC+1

WAT is 1 hour ahead of UTC

No DST

No daylight saving time

Year-Round

Same offset throughout the year

UTC to WAT Conversion Chart

12-Hour Format
UTC Time WAT Time
12:00 AM01:00 AM
01:00 AM02:00 AM
02:00 AM03:00 AM
03:00 AM04:00 AM
04:00 AM05:00 AM
05:00 AM06:00 AM
06:00 AM07:00 AM
07:00 AM08:00 AM
08:00 AM09:00 AM
09:00 AM10:00 AM
10:00 AM11:00 AM
11:00 AM12:00 PM (Noon)
12:00 PM01:00 PM
01:00 PM02:00 PM
02:00 PM03:00 PM
03:00 PM04:00 PM
04:00 PM05:00 PM
05:00 PM06:00 PM
06:00 PM07:00 PM
07:00 PM08:00 PM
08:00 PM09:00 PM
09:00 PM10:00 PM
10:00 PM11:00 PM
11:00 PM12:00 AM (Midnight)
24-Hour Format
UTC Time WAT Time
00:0001:00
01:0002:00
02:0003:00
03:0004:00
04:0005:00
05:0006:00
06:0007:00
07:0008:00
08:0009:00
09:0010:00
10:0011:00
11:0012:00
12:0013:00
13:0014:00
14:0015:00
15:0016:00
16:0017:00
17:0018:00
18:0019:00
19:0020:00
20:0021:00
21:0022:00
22:0023:00
23:0000:00

About West Africa Time (WAT)

Geographic Coverage

WAT covers West and Central African countries:

  • Nigeria: Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Ibadan, Port Harcourt
  • Ghana: Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, Sekondi-Takoradi
  • Cameroon: Douala, Yaoundé, Garoua, Bamenda
  • Democratic Republic of Congo: Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, Mbuji-Mayi
  • Angola: Luanda, Huambo, Lobito, Benguela
Additional Countries

WAT is also observed in:

  • Central African Republic: Bangui, Berbérati, Bouar
  • Chad: N'Djamena, Moundou, Sarh
  • Republic of Congo: Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, Dolisie
  • Equatorial Guinea: Malabo, Bata, Ebebiyin
  • Gabon: Libreville, Port-Gentil, Franceville
Historical Context
  • Established: 1970s (varies by country)
  • Previous System: Various local times
  • Standardization: Coordinated with other African time zones
  • Purpose: Regional coordination and business efficiency
Economic and Cultural Significance
  • Oil Industry: Major oil-producing region
  • Agriculture: Cocoa, coffee, palm oil production
  • Mining: Gold, diamonds, copper, cobalt
  • Technology: Growing tech sectors in major cities
Note: West Africa Time (WAT) does not observe daylight saving time, so the offset remains UTC+1 throughout the year.

Quick Reference

Business Hours

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM WAT
Typical West African workday

Banking

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM WAT
Bank operating hours

Markets

6:00 AM - 8:00 PM WAT
Local market hours

Major Cities in WAT

West Africa
  • Lagos (Nigeria): Economic hub, largest city in Africa
  • Accra (Ghana): Capital, cultural and business center
  • Douala (Cameroon): Economic capital, port city
  • Abuja (Nigeria): Capital city, government center
Central Africa
  • Kinshasa (DRC): Capital, largest city in DRC
  • Luanda (Angola): Capital, oil industry center
  • Brazzaville (Congo): Capital, cultural center
  • Libreville (Gabon): Capital, oil and timber industry

Economy and Industry

Key Industries
  • Oil & Gas: Major oil production and refining
  • Mining: Gold, diamonds, copper, cobalt, iron ore
  • Agriculture: Cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber
  • Manufacturing: Textiles, food processing, chemicals
Economic Importance
  • Natural Resources: Rich in oil, minerals, and agricultural land
  • Population: Large and growing consumer markets
  • Infrastructure: Developing transportation and communication
  • Technology: Growing fintech and mobile money sectors

Tourism and Culture

Major Attractions
  • Lagos: National Museum, Tarkwa Bay, Lekki Conservation Centre
  • Accra: Independence Square, Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, Labadi Beach
  • Douala: Douala Maritime Museum, Limbe Wildlife Centre
  • Kinshasa: National Museum, Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary
Cultural Events
  • Music: Afrobeats, highlife, soukous, makossa
  • Festivals: Calabar Carnival, FESPACO, Lagos Fashion Week
  • Sports: Football, basketball, athletics
  • Arts: Traditional crafts, contemporary art, literature