Timezone data is critical for location-aware applications. Getting accurate timezones ensures your app displays the right time no matter where users are located. Rather than building complex timezone logic from scratch, developers can tap into timezone APIs that provide this data on-demand.
In this guide, we‘ll cover the top 10 timezone APIs for developers and when to use them.
Why Use a Timezone API?
Here are some of the key benefits of using a timezone API in your application:
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Accurate timezone data – Gets current and historical timezone info down to DST rules. More reliable than trying to maintain your own timezone datasets.
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Location-based time – Display correct time for every user based on geolocation or IP address lookups.
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Simplify coding – Avoid complex timezone logic by using simple API calls for timezone needs.
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Auto updates – Timezone API handles daylight savings, timezone changes so your app data stays current.
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Flexibility – Setup timezone functions or convert datetimes across timezones with ease.
Any app dealing with dates, times or scheduling across different locations requires timezone support. Examples include:
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Travel apps – Display times in user-selected timezones.
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Global team productivity tools – Coordinate meetings across offices.
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Ecommerce – Show order dates/delivery in customer timezone.
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Finance platforms – View market hours in various stock exchange timezones.
Next, we‘ll explore the top API options available based on use case, features and pricing.
1. Abstract Timezone API
Abstract API offers an accurate and affordable timezone API with global coverage.
Some key features:
- Lookup time by IP address, timezone ID or geocoordinates
- Batch requests for bulk timezone lookups
- Ideal for apps needing current time display
- Free starter plan up to 1,000 requests/mo
Pricing starts free for low usage levels or $99/mo for higher batch volumes.
2. TimezoneAPI
TimezoneAPI focuses solely on timezone specific data via API.
Why developers use it:
- Get timezone from IP address or location coordinates
- Convert datetimes between timezones
- Address lookup returns timezone info
- 1,000 free requests monthly
Paid access starts at $9/month supporting higher usage levels.
3. Time Zone DB
TimeZoneDB provides a simple REST API giving developers access to 400+ global timezones.
Use it to:
- Get timezone name, UTC offset or daylight savings status
- Source data like country, city and timezone names
- Fetch list of timezones for a country code
- Available data formats: JSON, XML, CSV
Free for non-commercial use. Paid plans from $99/year for commercial applications.
4. WorldTimeAPI
WorldTimeAPI offers a microservice focused specifically on exposing timezone data.
Notable features:
- Get local time for a supplied timezone
- Check if location has daylight savings
- Returns ISO8601 and Unix timestamps
- IP lookup support
Free with no rate limits for non-commercial usage.
5. Google Timezone API
Part of Google Maps Platform, the Google Timezone API taps into Google‘s extensive geodata.
Benefits include:
- Get UTC offsets and DST for locations
- Ideal for apps using Google Maps
- Usage limits increased for billing account holders
- Pay only for what you use pricing
Rates start at $5 per 1000 requests after free tier.
6. IPStack Timezone API
IPStack offers a full-feature geolocation API including timezone capability.
Why use for timezones:
- Get timezone from IP lookup
- Location search supporting cities, zipcodes
- Batch requests available
- JSON response format
Free plan has 10k monthly requests. Growth pricing starts at $9.99 monthly.
7. Timezone Layer API
Timezone Layer provides timezone data via API accessed by location coordinates or IP.
Notable features:
- Get current local time
- Calculate daylight savings
- Creative commons licensed datasets
- Support for languages like Python, PHP, Node
Pricing model based on number of API calls used per month, starting at free level.
8. Ipapi.co
Ipapi.co offers lightweight IP geolocation along with useful timezone functions.
Why developers use it:
- Get timezone via IP lookup
- JSON response formatting
- No rate limits for free tier
- Open source reference data
Free for development purposes. Paid production plans start at $10 monthly.
9. Timezoneapi.io
Another aptly named Timezoneapi.io provides capabilities like:
- Timezone lookup by IP/location
- Address parsing to timezone
- Developer friendly API explorer
- 15k free requests monthly
Paid access offers higher quotas starting at $10/month.
10. UTC API
UTC API delivers current UTC timestamp along with timezone conversion.
Notable highlights:
- Get UTC time for your server scripts
- Convert UTC to timezone by location ID
- Formats like Unix, ISO, RFC 2822, HTTP
- Affordable pricing model
Plans start free for developers, then $10/mo production access.
Choosing the Best Timezone API by Use Case
With many viable timezone API options, evaluate carefully based on your specific app requirements.
For travel sites, an API like Google Timezone excelling in geo data could be ideal.
Global business apps benefit using a full-featured API like Abstract for robust timezone support.
Developers seeking a simple UTC timestamping resource would do well with UTC API.
For most use cases, it‘s best to start experimenting with free developer plans before upgrading based on features and usage needs.
Conclusion
Adding timezone capabilities using a purpose-built API alleviates a complex coding challenge for developers. With many services providing timezone data via API, options exist for virtually any project scope or budget need.
By reviewing the top timezone API solutions, evaluating options against your app‘s particular requirements, and trialing services – integrating reliable timezone functions can be smooth and painless. Your users will appreciate accurate location-based timestamps no matter where they are located worldwide!
