Published : September 26, 2023When it comes to international communication, one crucial factor that often goes overlooked is timing. Calling someone in a different country demands a delicate balance between finding a convenient moment for both parties involved. The United Kingdom, with its rich history, diverse culture, and thriving economy, is a destination frequently dialed by individuals and businesses worldwide.
The United Kingdom (UK) is situated in the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) zone during the standard time of the year. However, the UK also observes Daylight Saving Time (DST), shifting its time zone to British Summer Time (BST) during the summer months. Here’s a detailed explanation of the UK time zones and the best times to call the UK, taking into account the time differences.
Time Zones in the UK
UK follows different time zones. Hence, you need to consider these whenever making a call to ensure a better call pick-up rate.
1. Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
- The GMT time zone is UTC+0, which means it is 0 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
- GMT is the standard time zone in the UK during the non-summer months, typically from the last Sunday in October to the last Sunday in March.
- If you want to call the UK during GMT, it’s important to consider the time difference from your own time zone. For example, if you’re in New York, USA, which is in Eastern Standard Time (EST), there’s a 5-hour time difference because EST is UTC-5. So, if it’s 12:00 PM (noon) in New York, it’s 5:00 PM in the UK (GMT).
2. British Summer Time (BST)
- BST is the time zone observed in the UK during the summer months, typically from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.
- During BST, the UK is in UTC+1, which is 1 hour ahead of GMT. So, when BST is in effect, the UK is in UTC+1.
What Is the Best Time to Call the UK?
Let’s learn about the best times to call the UK based on these time zones –
1. Best Time to Call During GMT (Winter Months)
If you’re calling the UK from a location in a time zone significantly ahead of GMT (e.g., Asia or Australia), it’s best to make your calls in the late evening or early morning in your own time zone. This ensures that you’re not calling during the UK’s nighttime hours.
2. Best Time to Call During BST (Summer Months)
When the UK is observing BST, it’s 1 hour ahead of GMT. So, if you’re calling from a time zone that is usually close to GMT (e.g., Western Europe), the time difference won’t be as significant. You can generally call during regular business hours in the UK, which are typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
3. Consider Local Business Hours
When calling for business purposes, it’s essential to consider the local business hours in the UK. Typically, businesses in the UK operate from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. To ensure that your call is answered, it’s best to call during these hours.
4. Avoid Calling Late at Night
It’s polite to avoid making personal calls to the UK during the late evening or early morning hours. If you must make a personal call, try to do so during their daytime hours.
5. Check for Daylight Saving Time Changes
Remember that the UK switches between GMT and BST, so be sure to check the current time zone in the UK when planning your call.
You May Also Read: What Is the Best Time to Call India?
Final Thoughts
In summary, the best time to call the UK depends on your location and whether the UK is observing GMT or BST. Being aware of these time zone differences will help you choose an appropriate time to make your call, whether for business or personal reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is the best time to call the US from the UK?
The best time to call the United States from the United Kingdom depends on the U.S. time zone. Generally, it’s advisable to call during U.S. business hours, which range from around 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time (ET).
2) What is the best time to cold call the UK?
When cold calling the UK, it’s best to do so during normal business hours, which typically run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM local time, Monday to Friday.
3) Does cold calling work in the UK?
Cold calling can be effective in the UK if done strategically. Success depends on factors like timing, targeting the right audience, and having a compelling pitch. It can yield results when approached thoughtfully.
Updated : September 26, 2023
Akarsh is a B2B & SaaS content writer having experience in the industry. His expertise lies in creating targeted content for Telephony, VoIP, and CRM domains. His proficiency also includes fine-tuning content, guaranteeing enhanced visibility and engagement. Akarsh is committed to remaining at the forefront of emerging SaaS trends to ensure the creation of relevant and relatable content that adds value.
Subscribe to our newsletter & never miss our latest news and promotions.
+24K people have already subscribed