Convert datetime to Unix Timestamp in Python (2 Examples)

This tutorial demonstrates how to convert a datetime object to a unix timestamp in the Python programming language.

The following sections are explained in this article:

Let’s start right away!

Import datetime Module & Create Example Data

As a first step, we have to import the datetime module into Python:

import datetime

Next, we can create a datetime object as shown below:

my_datetime = datetime.datetime.now()
print(my_datetime)
# 2021-11-19 11:59:01.469718

As you can see, we have created a datetime object called my_datetime that contains the date and time 2021-11-19 11:59:01.469718.

Example 1: Convert datetime to Unix Timestamp Using timestamp() Function

This example explains how to convert a datetime object to a unix timestamp using the timestamp() function

To achieve this, we have to multiply the output of the timestamp function by 1000:

my_timestamp1 = my_datetime.timestamp() * 1000
print(my_timestamp1)
# 1637323141469.718

Example 2: Convert datetime to Unix Timestamp Using mktime() & timetuple() Functions

This example uses the mktime() and timetuple() functions to transform our datetime to a unix timestamp.

First, we have to import the time module to Python:

import time

Next, we can apply those functions to transform our data. Consider the Python code and its output below:

my_timestamp2 = time.mktime(my_datetime.timetuple())
print(my_timestamp2)
# 1637323141.0

Note that the previous timestamp represents our date and time in seconds, not in microseconds as in Example 1

Video, Further Resources & Summary

If you need more explanations on how to change a date and time object to a unix timestamp in Python, have a look at the following video of the PyLenin YouTube channel.

In the video, the speaker explains how to deal with time stamps and unix time zones.

Furthermore, you may have a look at the other Python and datetime tutorials on this website:

• Convert Epoch Time to datetime Object & Vice Versa in Python
• Make Unaware datetime Time Zone Aware in Python
• Convert datetime to Different Time Zone
• Convert datetime Object to Local Time Zone
• All Python Programming Tutorials

The page has shown you how to set the datetime to unix timestamp in the Python programming language. In case you have further questions, please leave a comment below.