Arizona is a state that often confuses travelers, remote workers, and even some U.S. residents when it comes to time. Unlike most of the United States, Arizona does not observe daylight saving time (DST), making its timekeeping unique. Whether you’re planning a trip to Phoenix, coordinating meetings with colleagues, or simply curious, understanding Arizona time is important for staying on schedule.
What Is Arizona Time?
Time Zone
Arizona is located in the Mountain Time Zone (MT). During standard time, Arizona follows Mountain Standard Time (MST), which is UTC−7. However, while most states in the Mountain Time Zone switch to daylight saving time, Arizona remains on MST year-round.
No Daylight Saving Time
Since 1968, most of Arizona has opted out of DST, meaning the clocks do not spring forward in March or fall back in November. This decision was made to avoid the extreme heat in the summer months, as longer evenings with sunlight would increase energy consumption for cooling.
The exception is the Navajo Nation in northeastern Arizona, which does observe DST to remain consistent with its territories in neighboring states.
Arizona Time vs. Other U.S. Time Zones
Because Arizona does not change clocks for DST, its time relative to other U.S. regions shifts depending on the time of year:
| Time Period | Arizona Time vs. Pacific Time (PT) | Arizona Time vs. Mountain Time (MT) | Arizona Time vs. Central Time (CT) | Arizona Time vs. Eastern Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Time (Nov–Mar) | +1 hour | Same | −1 hour | −2 hours |
| Daylight Saving Time (Mar–Nov) | Same | −1 hour | −2 hours | −3 hours |
This table helps travelers, remote workers, and businesses coordinate accurately with Arizona year-round.
Tips for Keeping Track of Arizona Time
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Use a World Clock: Most smartphones and computers allow you to track MST year-round.
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Check DST Differences: Remember that other states change clocks while Arizona does not.
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Consider Navajo Nation: If traveling to northeastern Arizona, confirm whether DST applies.
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Use Online Time Converters: Websites like timeanddate.com can quickly show Arizona time relative to other regions.
Why Arizona Stays on Standard Time
Arizona’s decision to stay on MST year-round is largely practical:
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Heat Management: Avoiding extra sunlight in the evenings reduces energy use for air conditioning.
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Simplicity: Maintaining a consistent time year-round eliminates confusion for residents and businesses.
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Tourism Considerations: The state is a popular travel destination, and many visitors appreciate the predictability.
Arizona Time in Daily Life
For locals and visitors alike, knowing Arizona time is crucial:
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Business: Scheduling calls with other U.S. time zones requires careful attention to DST changes elsewhere.
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Travel: Flight arrivals and departures are based on local MST, regardless of the season.
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Events & TV: Television programming, live sports, and online streaming services may follow other time zones, so plan accordingly.
Conclusion
Arizona time is simple once you understand the rules: Mountain Standard Time year-round, except for the Navajo Nation, which observes DST. While this can cause temporary confusion for travelers and remote workers coordinating with other regions, using tools like world clocks and time converters ensures accurate scheduling. Whether you’re planning a trip to the Grand Canyon or setting up a virtual meeting with Phoenix, understanding Arizona time keeps you on track throughout the year.
