JavaScript getDate()

getDate() returns the day of the month for a JavaScript Date in local time. The result is an integer from 1 to 31.

const date = new Date("2026-09-10T12:00:00+05:30");
console.log(date.getDate()); // 10

Use getDate() for the date within the month. Do not confuse it with getDay(), which returns the weekday number.

getDate() Syntax and Return Value Top ↑

const dayOfMonth = date.getDate();

There are no parameters. A valid Date returns 1–31; an invalid Date returns NaN.

Get Today's Day of the Month Top ↑

const today = new Date();
const day = today.getDate();
console.log(day);

Formatting 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Top ↑

If you need an English ordinal such as 21st, handle 11, 12 and 13 before looking only at the last digit.

function ordinal(day) {
  const mod100 = day % 100;
  if (mod100 >= 11 && mod100 <= 13) return `${day}th`;

  switch (day % 10) {
    case 1: return `${day}st`;
    case 2: return `${day}nd`;
    case 3: return `${day}rd`;
    default: return `${day}th`;
  }
}

console.log(ordinal(21)); // 21st

Pad the Day to Two Digits Top ↑

const day = String(date.getDate()).padStart(2, "0");

This is useful when assembling a custom DD/MM/YYYY-style display.

getDate() vs getUTCDate() Top ↑

const localDay = date.getDate();
const utcDay = date.getUTCDate();

Near midnight the local and UTC calendar dates can differ. Choose the method that matches the time basis of your application.

Invalid Dates Top ↑

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

Common getDate() Mistakes Top ↑

• Confusing getDate() with getDay().
• Assuming it returns a zero-based value. It returns 1–31.
• Ignoring time zones when the instant is close to midnight.
• Not checking whether the Date is valid.

Alert-window examples are available separately. getDay() → ← Date Reference

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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