Pacific Time (PT)

Pacific Time (PT) is a major time zone in western North America, observed in parts of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It operates on Pacific Standard Time (PST) at UTC−8 during the fall and winter months, and shifts to Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) at UTC−7 during the spring and summer daylight saving period. PT is used in major cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, and Tijuana.

Importance and Global Use of Pacific Time

Pacific Time is one of the most influential time zones in North America, serving as the standard for technology, entertainment, finance, and international trade along the west coast. It plays a vital role in scheduling and broadcasting for industries based in Silicon Valley, Hollywood, and other major commercial hubs.

PT is also crucial in global coordination, as it allows for effective time alignment between Asia-Pacific markets and North America. It supports a wide range of sectors including aviation, digital communications, logistics, and public services, ensuring seamless operations across borders and time zones.

Where and When PT is used worldwide

North America

US states using PST during winter and PDT during summer:

• California
• Idaho - northern counties (panhandle) InfoEncompassing the 10 northernmost counties — Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Clearwater, Kootenai, Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce, Shoshone, and north part of Idaho. The rest of Idaho observes MST/MDT time zones.
• Nevada
• Oregon - all except for most of Malheur County, which observes MST/MDT time zones
• Washington

Canadian provinces and territories using PST during winter and PDT during summer:

• British Columbia - all except some eastern and southeastern communities InfoPeace River Regional District (including Dawson Creek and Fort St. John), on MST year-round. Creston area, on MST year-round without daylight saving. Some southeastern communities near the Alberta border (including Cranbrook and Fernie) on MST/MDT time zones.
• Northwest Territories - the community of Tungsten only InfoRest of the territory observe MST/MDT time zones.

Mexican states using PST during winter and PDT during summer:

• Baja California