Developer Timezone Guide: Working Across Time Zones
How much overlap you actually need, and how to structure work when your developer is hours away.
Time-zone difference is manageable. Zero overlap is the real problem.
How much overlap do you need?
- Two to four hours: enough for most project work with clear tasks and written updates.
- Four or more hours: better for early-stage products where requirements change daily, or pair work.
- None: workable for well-specified, independent tasks only, with slower feedback.
Patterns that work
- Overlap window: fix a daily 2-3 hour window for questions and demos.
- Written handoff: end-of-day note with what is done, blocked and next.
- Asynchronous review: pull requests with context, reviewed once per day.
- Follow-the-sun support: useful for urgent production support, set up deliberately.
Pitfalls
- Decisions made in a call and not written down.
- Waiting a full day for a one-line answer: batch your questions.
- Holidays differ by country: share a calendar.
Using the directory
Professionals list their timezone on their profile; browse professionals and agencies by country to see who overlaps your hours. See also hiring remote developers.
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