PHP gmdate() Function
Quick summary: The PHP gmdate() function formats a date/time in UTC (GMT) instead of local timezone.
PHP gmdate() Syntax
gmdate(string $format, ?int $timestamp = null): stringPHP
PHP gmdate() Basic examples
echo gmdate('Y-m-d H:i');PHP
Output:
2026-02-08 10:34Formats the current UTC date and time.
PHP gmdate() Real-world usage
$timestamp = time();
echo gmdate('c', $timestamp);PHP
Output:
2026-02-08T10:34:00+00:00Outputs ISO-8601 timestamps in UTC for APIs.
PHP gmdate() Edge cases
echo gmdate('Y-m-d', 0);PHP
Output:
1970-01-01Formats the Unix epoch start in UTC.
PHP gmdate() Common mistakes
Using date instead of gmdate for UTC
date() uses local timezone.
Incorrect
date('c');Correct
gmdate('c');Use gmdate for timezone-independent output.
PHP gmdate() Frequently Asked Questions
What does gmdate() do?
Formats a timestamp in GMT/UTC.
Difference from date()?
gmdate ignores local timezone.
Use case?
Standardized timestamps.
Requires timestamp?
Optional.
Common mistake?
Expecting local time.
Performance?
Fast.
Safe?
Yes.
Returns string?
Yes.
Alternative?
date().
Used in APIs?
Yes.
Timezone independent?
Yes.
Best practice?
Use for UTC output.