JavaScript getHours()

getHours() returns the hours component of a JavaScript Date according to local time. The normal range is 0 to 23.

const now = new Date();
const value = now.getHours();
console.log(value);

getHours() Syntax and Return Value Top ↑

const value = date.getHours();

The method takes no parameters. If the Date is invalid, it returns NaN.

Pad Hours to Two Digits Top ↑

const value = String(date.getHours()).padStart(2, "0");

Using getHours() in a Clock Top ↑

const now = new Date();
const hh = String(now.getHours()).padStart(2, "0");
const mm = String(now.getMinutes()).padStart(2, "0");
const ss = String(now.getSeconds()).padStart(2, "0");
console.log(`${{hh}}:${{mm}}:${{ss}}`);

For an updating display, see the JavaScript clock and timer tutorial.

getHours() and Its UTC Equivalent Top ↑

const localValue = date.getHours();
const utcValue = date.getUTCHours();

Use the local method for the host's local time and the UTC method when your logic is explicitly based on UTC. See UTC date methods.

Invalid Dates Top ↑

const bad = new Date("invalid");
console.log(bad.getHours()); // NaN

Convert 24-Hour Time to 12-Hour Time Top ↑

const hour24 = date.getHours();
const period = hour24 >= 12 ? "PM" : "AM";
const hour12 = hour24 % 12 || 12;

Common getHours() Mistakes Top ↑

• Assuming the returned number is already zero-padded for display.
• Mixing local and UTC components in the same calculation.
• Ignoring invalid Date values.
• Using raw numeric components when locale-aware formatting would better serve users.

← Date Reference Next Date Method →

Subhendu Mohapatra

Author & Instructor at plus2net

I write and maintain practical tutorials on Python, PHP, SQL, JavaScript, HTML, jQuery, and web development at plus2net. The tutorials focus on clear explanations, working examples, and code that readers can test and adapt while learning.

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