JavaScript Temporal PlainTime
The PlainTime Object
A Temporal.PlainTime object represents a time without a date or time zone.
It is useful for opening hours, alarms, and any time-only values.
It returns an ISO 8601 wall-clock time without a date or time zone.
Return example: 10:30:00.
Create a PlainTime
You can create a PlainTime from a string.
You can also create a PlainTime using numeric values.
Note
The parameters are: hour, minute, second, millisecond, microsecond, nanosecond.
Get the Current Time
You can get the current local time using Temporal.Now.plainTimeISO().
Get Time Parts
You can read the different parts of a PlainTime value.
Add and Subtract Time
Use add() and subtract() to do time math.
PlainTime is immutable, so the original value is not changed.
Example
const time = Temporal.PlainTime.from("14:30");
const later = time.add({ minutes: 45 });
const earlier = time.subtract({ hours: 2 });
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If the time passes midnight, it wraps around:
Example
const time = Temporal.PlainTime.from("23:30");
const result = time.add({ minutes: 90 });
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Compare PlainTime Values
Use Temporal.PlainTime.compare() to compare times.
Example
// Create two PlainTime objects
const a = Temporal.PlainTime.from("08:30");
const b = Temporal.PlainTime.from("14:30");
// Compare the two objects
result = Temporal.PlainTime.compare(a, b));
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The result is:
- -1 if the first time is earlier
- 0 if they are equal
- 1 if the first time is later
Note
Do not use =, <, or > when comparing temporal time.
Equal PlainTime Values
Use equals() to check if two times are the same.
Example
// Create two PlainTime objects
const a = Temporal.PlainTime.from("14:30");
const b = Temporal.PlainTime.from("14:30");
// Compare the two objects
result = a.equals(b);
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Calculate the Difference Between Two Times
Use until() or since() to calculate differences.
Examples
// Create two PlainTime objects
const start = Temporal.PlainTime.from("09:00");
const end = Temporal.PlainTime.from("17:30");
// Calculate the difference
const diff = start.until(end);
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// Create two PlainTime objects
const start = Temporal.PlainTime.from("09:00");
const end = Temporal.PlainTime.from("17:30");
// Calculate the difference
const diff = start.since(end);
Try it Yourself »
Note
The until() and since() methods return a
Temporal.Duration.
When to Use PlainTime
Opening hours (for example: 09:00 to 17:00).
Alarm clock times.
Recurring daily schedules.
Time input fields (without date and time zone).
Note
If you need time zone support, use ZonedDateTime.
Summary
Temporal.PlainTime represents a time without date and time zone.
It is immutable, easy to compare, and useful for daily time values.
In the next chapter you will learn about PlainDateTime (a combo of PlainDate and PlainTime).
