root@generate-random:~/times/python$ _

Generate Random Times in Python

Complete code tutorial with examples and best practices

PHP JavaScript

Python

[ Code Example - Quick Summary ]

Language: Python

What: Generate random times in Python using random.randint() and datetime.time. Covers 12-hour, 24-hour formats, and time validation.

Try it: Use our interactive Times generator or integrate this code into your Python application.

Generate random times in Python using random.randint() and datetime.time. Covers 12-hour, 24-hour formats, and time validation. Looking for other languages? Check our code examples in PHP , JavaScript , Java , C# , C++ , Ruby and Go or use our interactive web generator.

Python Code Example

import random
from datetime import time

# Generate random time (24-hour format HH:MM:SS)
def random_time_24():
    hour = random.randint(0, 23)
    minute = random.randint(0, 59)
    second = random.randint(0, 59)
    return f"{hour:02d}:{minute:02d}:{second:02d}"

# Generate random time (12-hour format with AM/PM)
def random_time_12():
    hour = random.randint(1, 12)
    minute = random.randint(0, 59)
    ampm = random.choice(["AM", "PM"])
    return f"{hour:02d}:{minute:02d} {ampm}"

# Generate random time within business hours (9 AM - 5 PM)
def random_business_time():
    hour = random.randint(9, 17)
    minute = random.randint(0, 59)
    return f"{hour:02d}:{minute:02d}"

# Generate random time as datetime.time object
def random_time_object():
    return time(
        hour=random.randint(0, 23),
        minute=random.randint(0, 59),
        second=random.randint(0, 59)
    )

# Validate time format (HH:MM:SS)
def is_valid_time(time_str):
    import re
    pattern = r"^([01]?[0-9]|2[0-3]):[0-5][0-9]:[0-5][0-9]$"
    return re.match(pattern, time_str) is not None

# Generate multiple random times
def generate_times(count=10):
    return [random_time_24() for _ in range(count)]

print(f"24-hour: {random_time_24()}")
print(f"12-hour: {random_time_12()}")
print(f"Business: {random_business_time()}")
print(f"Time object: {random_time_object()}")
print(f"Valid: {is_valid_time('14:30:45')}")
print(f"Batch: {\", \".join(generate_times(3))}")

[EXPLANATION]

Python uses random.randint() for hours (0-23), minutes (0-59), and seconds (0-59). F-string formatting with :02d adds leading zeros. datetime.time creates time objects with hour, minute, second parameters. random.choice() selects AM/PM. re.match() validates format. List comprehensions provide concise batch generation. Time objects are independent of dates.

Expected Output

24-hour: 14:23:45
12-hour: 09:15 AM
Business: 11:30
Time object: 14:23:45
Valid: True
Batch: 08:45:12, 16:20:33, 22:10:05

Common Use Cases

Generate times for Django/Flask scheduling tests
Create time fields for SQLAlchemy model testing
Generate working hours for employee management
Test time validation in web applications
Create appointment times for booking systems

Important Notes

F-string f"{hour:02d}" formats with leading zeros
datetime.time is timezone-naive by default
strftime() formats time objects: time_obj.strftime("%H:%M")
random.choice() randomly selects from list items
Use datetime.datetime.combine() to add date to time

Try Our Interactive Generator

Don't want to write code? Use our free web-based Times generator with instant results.

TRY TIMES GENERATOR →

Other Programming Languages

PHP $ view --lang=php

View Times generation code examples in PHP

JAVASCRIPT $ view --lang=javascript

View Times generation code examples in JavaScript

JAVA $ view --lang=java

View Times generation code examples in Java

C# $ view --lang=csharp

View Times generation code examples in C#

C++ $ view --lang=cpp

View Times generation code examples in C++

RUBY $ view --lang=ruby

View Times generation code examples in Ruby

GO $ view --lang=go

View Times generation code examples in Go