Eastern Time Zone (EST/EDT)
Complete guide to Eastern Standard Time and Eastern Daylight Time
Convert Eastern Time to Another Timezone
About Eastern Time Zone
The Eastern Time Zone (ET) is one of the four main time zones in the continental United States. It covers the eastern seaboard and is home to major cities including New York, Washington D.C., Miami, and Atlanta. Eastern Time is observed by approximately 47% of the US population, making it the most populous time zone in the country.
Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Eastern Standard Time (EST) is observed during the winter months and is 5 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-5). EST runs from the first Sunday in November at 2:00 AM until the second Sunday in March at 2:00 AM.
Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) is observed during the summer months and is 4 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-4). When clocks "spring forward" on the second Sunday in March, Eastern Time switches from EST to EDT. The zone returns to EST on the first Sunday in November when clocks "fall back."
Daylight Saving Time Schedule
- Spring Forward: Second Sunday in March at 2:00 AM → clocks move to 3:00 AM EDT
- Fall Back: First Sunday in November at 2:00 AM → clocks move back to 1:00 AM EST
- Duration: EDT is observed for approximately 8 months per year
Major Cities in Eastern Time Zone
The Eastern Time Zone includes numerous major metropolitan areas across the United States and Canada:
| United States | Canada |
|---|---|
| New York City, NY | Toronto, ON |
| Miami, FL | Ottawa, ON |
| Atlanta, GA | Montreal, QC |
| Washington, D.C. | Quebec City, QC |
| Boston, MA | Hamilton, ON |
| Philadelphia, PA | Kingston, ON |
| Charlotte, NC | |
| Detroit, MI |
States in Eastern Time Zone
The following US states observe Eastern Time for all or part of their territory:
- Entirely in ET: Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C.
- Partially in ET: Florida (most of state), Indiana (most of state), Kentucky (eastern portion), Michigan (most of state), Tennessee (eastern portion)
Business Hours and Stock Markets
Eastern Time is the reference timezone for US financial markets and many business operations:
- New York Stock Exchange (NYSE): 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM ET
- NASDAQ: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM ET
- Standard Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET
- Federal Government: Operates on Eastern Time
Other Contiguous US Time Zones
Explore the other major US time zones:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Eastern Time Zone?
Eastern Time Zone is one of the four main US time zones. It uses Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC-5) in winter and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC-4) in summer. It covers the eastern United States including New York, Florida, and the East Coast.
What is the current time in EST?
Eastern Time currently observes either EST (UTC-5) from November to March, or EDT (UTC-4) from March to November. Check the live clock at the top of this page for the current Eastern Time.
What states are in the Eastern Time Zone?
States entirely in Eastern Time include New York, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and others. Some states like Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee are partially in Eastern Time.
When does EST change to EDT?
EST changes to EDT on the second Sunday in March at 2:00 AM, when clocks spring forward to 3:00 AM. EDT changes back to EST on the first Sunday in November at 2:00 AM, when clocks fall back to 1:00 AM.
What is the difference between EST and EDT?
EST (Eastern Standard Time) is UTC-5 and is used during winter months. EDT (Eastern Daylight Time) is UTC-4 and is used during summer months. The difference is 1 hour, with EDT being one hour ahead of EST.
Is New York in EST or EDT?
New York observes Eastern Time year-round, using EST (UTC-5) from November through March and EDT (UTC-4) from March through November. Currently, New York follows the same time shown in the clock above.
How many hours behind GMT is Eastern Time?
Eastern Time is 5 hours behind GMT during EST (winter) and 4 hours behind during EDT (summer). However, when the UK observes British Summer Time (BST), the difference may vary.
What time zone is Florida in?
Most of Florida is in the Eastern Time Zone. However, the western panhandle (west of the Apalachicola River) observes Central Time. Major cities like Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville all use Eastern Time.
Does Indiana observe Eastern Time?
Most of Indiana observes Eastern Time, including Indianapolis and other major cities. However, some northwestern and southwestern counties near Chicago and Evansville observe Central Time.
Why is Eastern Time important for business?
Eastern Time is the reference timezone for US stock markets (NYSE, NASDAQ), federal government operations, and many national business operations. Nearly half of the US population lives in the Eastern Time Zone, making it the most significant time zone for American commerce.