What is the difference between COT and EST?
COT is 1 hour ahead of EST. Colombia is on a different schedule from the United States' Eastern Standard Time zone.
UTC time
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COT
Colombia Time
3 Dec 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this area observe DST?
No, Colombia does not observe daylight saving time and stays on standard hours year-round.
Which major cities follow this pattern?
Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali are the major cities in Colombia that follow this schedule.
What areas share the same hours?
Panama and Ecuador also follow the same hours as Colombia throughout the year.
How does this compare with UTC?
COT is 5 hours behind UTC.
Why doesn't this area observe DST?
Colombia does not observe daylight saving time, likely due to the consistent daylight hours throughout the year near the equator.
How did this system get established?
COT was established as a way to simplify timekeeping across the country, keeping the schedule consistent without seasonal shifts.
What are the typical work hours here?
Work hours in Colombia generally run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a break for lunch in the afternoon.
What is the economic importance of this area?
Colombia’s economy is diverse, with major industries including oil, coffee, and manufacturing, along with a growing tourism sector.