How many hours is EST behind WAT?
As abbreviations, WAT is always 6 hours ahead of EST: EST is UTC−5 and WAT is UTC+1. To convert, add 6 hours.
Check which label you actually need: EST (Eastern Time is on EDT today). A time written with an abbreviation that is not in use is usually meant as the local time, so convert between the places instead: right now WAT is 5 hours ahead of EST.
When the EST to WAT time difference changes
For most of the year WAT is 5 hours ahead of EST. From 1 November to 31 December 2026, WAT is 6 hours ahead of EST instead, because the two places change their clocks on different dates. Meetings booked by the usual gap land an hour off in those weeks.
| Dates | WAT vs EST | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 8 March 2026 to 31 October 2026 | 5 hours ahead | 238 days |
| 1 November 2026 to 31 December 2026 | 6 hours ahead | 61 days |
| 1 January 2027 to 13 March 2027 | 6 hours ahead | 72 days |
| 14 March 2027 to 6 November 2027 | 5 hours ahead | 238 days |
| 7 November 2027 to 31 December 2027 | 6 hours ahead | 55 days |
When EST and WAT are both at work
- When WAT is 5 hours ahead of EST: 3 shared office hours, 09:00 to 12:00 in EST (14:00 to 17:00 in WAT).
- When WAT is 6 hours ahead of EST: 2 shared office hours, 09:00 to 11:00 in EST (15:00 to 17:00 in WAT).