Time in Rwanda Now

Rwanda follows a single national time zone based on Central Africa Time (CAT). The country operates on UTC+02 throughout the entire year and does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so the local clock remains unchanged in all seasons.

Cities such as Kigali, Butare, Gisenyi, Ruhengeri, and Musanze all use the same national time, making daily scheduling consistent across the country.

Rwanda Time Zone Info

• IANA Time Zone: Africa/Kigali

• UTC Offset: UTC +02 hours

• Time Zone Abbreviation: CAT (Central Africa Time)

• DST: Not observed

• DST Abbreviation: None. The offset remains fixed all year

Rwanda shares its time zone with several central and southern African countries.

Rwanda time zone(s)

The official IANA identifier is Africa/Kigali.

Daylight Saving Time in Rwanda

Rwanda does not observe Daylight Saving Time. The country stays on UTC +02 year-round.

This ensures stable and predictable timekeeping nationwide.

Major cities in Rwanda & their time

All cities follow the same national time.

Brief info for Rwanda time

• Number of time zones: 1

• Capital city: Kigali

• Default time: Central Africa Time (CAT)

• Daylight Saving Time: Not used

• IANA Time Zone ID: Africa/Kigali

• Standard UTC offset: UTC +02

• Neighbouring countries with similar time: Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo (east)

• Regional differences: None within the country

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. One national time zone simplifies coordination.

2. No DST avoids seasonal clock changes.

3. Stable UTC offset all year.

4. Easy coordination with East and Central Africa.

5. Predictable daily schedules.

Cons

1. Limited overlap with Americas business hours.

2. Some difference from West Africa time zone.