SQL UTC_TIMESTAMP

What is UTC_TIMESTAMP in SQL?

Returns the current Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) as a DATETIME or string value.

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Compatible dialects for SQL UTC_TIMESTAMP:

SQL UTC_TIMESTAMP Full Explanation

UTC_TIMESTAMP is a MySQL and MariaDB built-in date and time function that produces the current UTC date and time. It behaves like NOW(), except it is timezone-agnostic and always returns the value in UTC rather than the server or session time zone. The function can be written with or without parentheses. If called in a string context it yields a string such as '2024-05-11 14:32:18'. In numeric context it returns a number like 20240511143218.000000. Fractional seconds precision matches the global or session setting of `time_precision` (0-6). When used in DDL as a default or on-update expression for TIMESTAMP or DATETIME columns, it guarantees that all stored values represent UTC, simplifying cross-region replication, logging, and analytics.

SQL UTC_TIMESTAMP Syntax

UTC_TIMESTAMP;
-- or
UTC_TIMESTAMP();

SQL UTC_TIMESTAMP Parameters

Example Queries Using SQL UTC_TIMESTAMP

-- Get the current UTC date and time
SELECT UTC_TIMESTAMP();

-- Compare local time (NOW()) with UTC
SELECT NOW() AS local_time, UTC_TIMESTAMP() AS utc_time;

-- Use as a default value in table definition
CREATE TABLE events (
  id INT PRIMARY KEY,
  occurred_at DATETIME DEFAULT UTC_TIMESTAMP
);

-- Schedule a future UTC moment
SELECT UTC_TIMESTAMP() + INTERVAL 1 DAY AS utc_tomorrow;

Expected Output Using SQL UTC_TIMESTAMP

Each query returns the current UTC date and time at execution in 'YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS[
fraction]' format
In table definitions, new rows automatically store the UTC timestamp in occurred_at

Use Cases with SQL UTC_TIMESTAMP

Store timestamps independent of server location
Compare events recorded across multiple time zones
Populate audit columns such as created_at_utc or updated_at_utc
Drive time-based partitioning where all shards follow a single clock
Generate consistent log entries for distributed systems

Common Mistakes with SQL UTC_TIMESTAMP

Assuming returned value matches server local time; it is always UTC
Forgetting to add parentheses in some client libraries
Using UTC_TIMESTAMP for default values but casting column to TIMESTAMP without proper timezone handling when read by applications
Expecting it to work in PostgreSQL or SQL Server, where the function name is different

First Introduced In

MySQL 4.1

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the return type of UTC_TIMESTAMP?

It returns a DATETIME value in string context and a numeric value in numeric context, both representing the current UTC date and time.

Does UTC_TIMESTAMP consider the server's time zone settings?

No. It ignores the server's time zone and always provides Coordinated Universal Time.

How do I store UTC timestamps automatically?

Define your DATETIME or TIMESTAMP column with `DEFAULT UTC_TIMESTAMP` (and `ON UPDATE UTC_TIMESTAMP` if needed) so MySQL fills the column without manual input.

Is UTC_TIMESTAMP available in PostgreSQL or SQL Server?

Not under that name. Use `now() AT TIME ZONE 'UTC'` in PostgreSQL and `GETUTCDATE()` in SQL Server.