Pacific Standard Time

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about PST, daylight saving, and how to handle it in software. Can't find what you need? Email [email protected].

Is PST the same as PDT?

Not exactly. PST (UTC-08:00) is the standard offset typically used in winter, but right now the region is on PDT (UTC-07:00) for daylight saving time.

Which countries use Pacific Standard Time?

The main member zones are in the United States (Los Angeles), Mexico (Tijuana), and Canada (Vancouver), following the same Pacific Time rules.

When do clocks change in this region?

Right now the region is in PDT, and clocks will move back to PST on 2026-11-01 at 01:00:00 local time. In spring, they will spring forward again in March 2027.

Why do I sometimes see UTC-8 and other times UTC-7?

UTC-08:00 is the standard winter offset (PST), while UTC-07:00 is the summer daylight saving offset (PDT). Check which period you're in to know which applies.

Are U.S. Pacific Time rules the same as in Vancouver/Tijuana?

Yes, this region is synchronized: Los Angeles, Vancouver, and Tijuana all observe DST and switch at the same times.

Is this the same as Mountain Time?

No, Mountain Time is one hour ahead of Pacific Time (typically UTC-07:00 / UTC-06:00). Pacific is the westernmost mainland U.S. time zone in this region.

When is it easiest to schedule calls across this region?

Any mid-morning Pacific time usually works well. Outside DST differences, the whole West Coast overlaps, so 10:00 AM PT is convenient for meetings between L.A., Seattle, and Vancouver.

When is the next 'clock change' after the one on November 1st?

After falling back to PST, clocks will spring forward again in March 2027, returning to PDT (UTC-07:00).