Where to stay
Neighborhood guide
The compact downtown near the port holds most government buildings, markets, and hotels within a short distance of each other. Outer neighborhoods are more residential, typically reached by shared taxi.
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Bissau, Guinea-Bissau uses Africa/Bissau, currently GMT (UTC+00:00). No clock changes are scheduled in the next 12 months.
Bissau is the capital of Guinea-Bissau, with a population of about 439,700. It keeps the same time year-round, with no daylight saving changes.
Time zone
UTC offset
UTC+00:00
Country
🇬🇼 Guinea-Bissau
Population
439,704
Calling code
+245
Currency
XOF
Bissau vs. other major cities
Shift date & time
−12h+12h
Compare time zones: best time to call
The band below is your local scale — accent shows when everyone's business hours overlap. Add or remove a city on the left and this updates too.
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good
tight
asleep
- Sunrise / sunset
- 06:51 / 18:41
- Day length
- 11h 50m
Bissau, beyond the clock
Written for people arriving, calling in, or planning a trip around the time difference.
What to see
Timed to the light
The old colonial quarter and central market are best explored in the cooler morning hours before the tropical heat peaks. The waterfront area offers a relaxed spot to take in daily life along the coast.
Weather & daylight
October
- Sunrise
- 06:51
- Sunset
- 18:41
- Daylight
- 11h 50m
Getting around
Transit notes
Shared taxis and minibuses are the main way to get around, since formal public transit is limited and schedules can be unpredictable. The city center itself is walkable for shorter errands, with taxis a practical option once distances grow.
Best time to visit
Seasons & timing
The dry season, roughly December through May, brings sunnier, more comfortable conditions than the humid rainy season that follows. Heavy rains from June through October can disrupt travel plans.
Currency & language
🇬🇼 XOF
Guinea-Bissau uses the XOF, calling code +245.
The West African CFA franc is the local currency, and Portuguese is the official language, though Crioulo is widely spoken day to day. A warm, unhurried greeting is customary before discussing business.
Common questions
What time zone is Bissau in?
Bissau uses the Africa/Bissau time zone, currently GMT (UTC+00:00).
Does Bissau observe daylight saving time?
No clock changes are scheduled for Bissau in the next year.
How many hours ahead or behind is Bissau?
Bissau is on the same time as UTC, 4 hours ahead of New York City, 1 hour behind London and 9 hours behind Tokyo. Relative to your own clock: .