A method, executed by a computer, for deferring an alarm includes determining a user's location relative to an appointment, calculating a required alert time, and setting a deferral duration to less than or equal to a difference between a required alert time and a current time. In some embodiments, a final alarm is activated when the deferral duration has elapsed. The alarm may be deactivated when the appointment occurs or when the user arrives at the appointment location. In some embodiments, the travel time to the appointment is calculated and the mode of transportation is determined. The required alert time may correspond to an amount of time the user requires to prepare for the appointment or for departure to the appointment. A computer program product and computer system corresponding to the above method are also disclosed herein.