Pacific Time Zone (PST/PDT)
Complete guide to Pacific Standard Time and Pacific Daylight Time
Convert Pacific Time to Another Timezone
About Pacific Time Zone
The Pacific Time Zone (PT) is the westernmost time zone in the continental United States. It encompasses the entire West Coast including California, Washington, and Oregon, as well as parts of Nevada and Idaho. Pacific Time is 3 hours behind Eastern Time and is home to major tech hubs, entertainment industry centers, and key ports connecting the US to Asia.
Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Pacific Standard Time (PST) is observed during the winter months and is 8 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-8). PST runs from the first Sunday in November at 2:00 AM until the second Sunday in March at 2:00 AM.
Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)
Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) is observed during the summer months and is 7 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-7). When clocks "spring forward" on the second Sunday in March, Pacific Time switches from PST to PDT. The zone returns to PST 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 PDT
- Fall Back: First Sunday in November at 2:00 AM → clocks move back to 1:00 AM PST
- Duration: PDT is observed for approximately 8 months per year
Major Cities in Pacific Time Zone
The Pacific Time Zone includes numerous major metropolitan areas known for technology, entertainment, and international trade:
| United States | Canada |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | Vancouver, BC |
| San Francisco, CA | Victoria, BC |
| San Diego, CA | Surrey, BC |
| Seattle, WA | |
| Portland, OR | |
| Las Vegas, NV | |
| San Jose, CA | |
| Sacramento, CA |
States in Pacific Time Zone
The following US states observe Pacific Time for all or part of their territory:
- Entirely in PT: California, Washington, Oregon (most of state)
- Partially in PT: Nevada (most of state), Idaho (northern portion)
Business Hours and Industries
Pacific Time is crucial for several major industries:
- Technology: Silicon Valley operates on Pacific Time (Apple, Google, Meta, etc.)
- Entertainment: Hollywood and the film/TV industry work on Pacific hours
- Stock Market Pre-Trading: 6:00 AM - 9:30 AM PT (market opens 6:30 AM PT)
- Standard Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM PT
- Cross-Coast Meetings: Typically scheduled 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM PT for East Coast alignment
California Proposition 7
In 2018, California voters approved Proposition 7, which allows the state legislature to establish permanent daylight saving time if federal law permits. However, as of 2025, no changes have been implemented, and California continues to observe standard DST transitions.
Other Contiguous US Time Zones
Explore the other major US time zones:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pacific Time Zone?
Pacific Time Zone is the westernmost main US time zone. It uses Pacific Standard Time (PST, UTC-8) in winter and Pacific Daylight Time (PDT, UTC-7) in summer. It covers the West Coast including California, Washington, and Oregon.
What time zone is California in?
California is in the Pacific Time Zone. The entire state observes PST (UTC-8) during winter months and PDT (UTC-7) during summer months. All of California uses the same timezone.
What is the current time in PST?
Pacific Time currently observes either PST (UTC-8) from November to March, or PDT (UTC-7) from March to November. Check the live clock at the top of this page for the current Pacific Time.
When does PST change to PDT?
PST changes to PDT on the second Sunday in March at 2:00 AM, when clocks spring forward to 3:00 AM. PDT changes back to PST on the first Sunday in November at 2:00 AM, when clocks fall back to 1:00 AM.
What is the difference between PST and PDT?
PST (Pacific Standard Time) is UTC-8 and is used during winter months. PDT (Pacific Daylight Time) is UTC-7 and is used during summer months. The difference is 1 hour, with PDT being one hour ahead of PST.
How many hours behind EST is PST?
Pacific Time is always 3 hours behind Eastern Time, year-round. When it's 12:00 PM EST/EDT, it's 9:00 AM PST/PDT. This difference remains constant because both zones change their clocks for DST on the same dates.
Is Seattle in PST or PDT?
Seattle, Washington observes Pacific Time year-round, using PST (UTC-8) from November through March and PDT (UTC-7) from March through November. The current time in Seattle is shown in the clock above.
Does Las Vegas observe Pacific Time?
Yes, Las Vegas, Nevada observes Pacific Time. Most of Nevada uses Pacific Time, though a small portion near the Utah border (West Wendover area) uses Mountain Time.
Will California stop changing clocks?
California passed Proposition 7 in 2018 allowing permanent daylight saving time, but implementation requires federal approval. As of 2025, California still observes standard DST transitions. Any change would require both state legislation and federal permission.
What are Pacific Time business hours?
Standard Pacific Time business hours are 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM PT. For cross-coast collaboration, meetings are often scheduled between 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM PT (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM ET) to accommodate both time zones during business hours.