Change the Time Zone in Ubuntu

What is a time zone?

The world is split into regions that each keep their own local time. These are time zones. Your server keeps one time zone setting. If it is wrong, your log files and scheduled tasks (called cron jobs) may run at times you do not expect. Sudo means "run this command as the admin".

Steps

Log in to your server with SSH. SSH is a safe way to type commands on a server from far away.
Check the current time and zone.
```
timedatectl
```
Look at the line named Time zone.
Find the name of your zone. Zone names look like Region/City. To search, type this.
```
timedatectl list-timezones | grep Asia
```
This lists all zones with the word Asia. Change the word to search other regions.
Set your zone. Replace the example with your own.
```
sudo timedatectl set-timezone Asia/Kolkata
```
Check again.
```
timedatectl
```
The time zone line should show your new choice.

Type sudo dpkg-reconfigure tzdata.
Pick your area using the arrow keys and press Enter.
Pick your city and press Enter.

Keep the clock exact

A right time zone is not enough if the clock itself drifts. Turn on network time, which sets the clock from the internet.

sudo timedatectl set-ntp true

This switches on automatic time syncing.

Good to know

Many server owners choose UTC. It is a world standard time with no daylight saving changes. It keeps logs simple.
Restart long-running programs after the change. Some read the zone only when they start.
Websites such as WordPress have their own time zone setting. It is separate from the server.