Local Time in Curacao

Curacao operates on Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). This means the island is four hours behind Greenwich Mean Time, the global reference point for time. You may also see UTC used instead of GMT - both systems work the same way for travelers. Curacao shares its time zone with destinations such as Brazil, Bermuda, Barbados, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Current Time in Curacao

How Many Hours of Daylight Does Curacao Have?

Because Curacao sits close to the equator, the length of the day stays nearly the same throughout the year. The island enjoys around 8 to 9 hours of sunshine daily, and there is no practical need to shift clocks forward or backward.

Sunrise and Sunset in Curacao

Times remain fairly stable across the year. Here is an approximate overview:

Winter

• Sunrise: 7:00 AM
• Sunset: 6:30 PM

Spring

• Sunrise: 6:30 AM
• Sunset: 6:45 PM

Summer

• Sunrise: 6:15 AM
• Sunset: 7:00 PM

Fall

• Sunrise: 6:30 AM
• Sunset: 6:20 PM

Tip: Sunset cruises run all year, but in winter they usually start 30 minutes to 1 hour earlier than in summer.

Do you want to chase the sunset by boat?

We offer the best sunset cruises in Curacao - from luxury catamarans to private trips along the coastline and Spanish Waters. Check out our Sunset Cruises page.

Experience a Private Beach Picnic Experience

Always dreamed of watching the sunset on your own private beach? This is your chance! Share this unique moment with your loved ones.

Curacao’s Time Difference with the United States

Because Curacao does not observe daylight saving time, the time difference with the U.S. changes depending on the season.

Eastern Time (ET)

• During U.S. Daylight Saving Time (March–November): Curacao is 1 hour ahead
• During U.S. Standard Time (November–March): Curacao is the same time as ET

Central Time (CT)

• During DST: Curacao is 2 hours ahead
• During Standard Time: Curacao is 1 hour ahead

Mountain Time (MT)

• During DST: Curacao is 3 hours ahead
• During Standard Time: Curacao is 2 hours ahead

Pacific Time (PT)

• During DST: Curacao is 4 hours ahead
• During Standard Time: Curacao is 3 hours ahead

Examples

• If it is 3:00 PM ET during U.S. summer time, it is 4:00 PM in Curacao.
• If it is 3:00 PM ET during winter, it is also 3:00 PM in Curacao.

Best Times to Call Between Curacao and the U.S.

• Eastern Time: 9:00 AM–9:00 PM ET works well.
• Central Time: Avoid early mornings in CT.
• Mountain & Pacific Time: Calling later in the day works best, otherwise it’s early on the U.S. west coast.

Curacao’s Time Difference with the Netherlands

The time difference between Curacao and the Netherlands depends on the Dutch season:

• During Dutch summer time: Curacao is 6 hours earlier
• During Dutch winter time: Curacao is 5 hours earlier

Examples

• If it is 3:00 PM in Amsterdam during summer, it is 9:00 AM in Curacao.
• If it is 3:00 PM in Amsterdam during winter, it is 10:00 AM in Curacao.

Memory tip: In the Summer, the difference is Six hours - both start with an S.

When to Call Between Curacao and the Netherlands

• Avoid calling during the Dutch morning (still early in Curacao).
• From 3:00 PM Dutch time onward is ideal.

Calling From Curacao to the Netherlands

• The best time to call is during the Curacao daytime.
• Calling in the Curacao evening may mean it is already late at night in the Netherlands.
• For business calls: call before lunchtime, otherwise offices may already be closed.

Making Appointments in Curacao

Curacao has a relaxed approach to time. Appointments often start later than scheduled, and small delays are normal. A meeting set for 10:00 AM may easily begin at 10:30 AM, especially with household services such as plumbers or handymen.

Between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, many businesses operate with reduced staff, as people go out for lunch, return home, or pick up their children from school. Roads are busier during these hours, waiting lines are longer, and most appointments are not scheduled during this time.

Official appointments may require planning weeks ahead, but arrival times are not always precise, and you may need to wait with a number.

Being Fashionably Late in Curacao

For social events, arriving a bit late is normal. For example, if Happy Hour starts at 5:30 PM, guests may arrive around 5:45 PM - perfectly acceptable.

However, business meetings are different. Companies expect punctuality, and arriving late can leave a negative impression.

Poko Poko: The Pace of Curacao

Life in Curacao follows a relaxed rhythm. The phrase poko poko means “take it easy,” which captures the island’s warm climate and laid-back lifestyle. Things are rarely rushed, and there is always time to enjoy the sunshine.

Ready to enjoy your time in Curacao?

With warm weather, steady daylight hours, and a relaxed island rhythm, Curacao gives you all the time you need to enjoy a great excursion during your stay.