Current Time in America/Atka Time Zone
IANA Name: America/Atka
Standard Offset: UTC −10:00
Daylight Saving: Yes
DST Offset: UTC −09:00
DST Abbreviation: HDT
Currently Observing DST: Yes ✅
America/Atka Time Zone: A Complete Guide
The America/Atka time zone is a historical IANA time zone identifier for the Aleutian Islands west of 169°30′W, centered on the city of Atka, Alaska. It observes Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST) during standard time and Hawaii-Aleutian Daylight Time (HDT) during daylight saving time, with a standard offset of UTC-10:00 and a DST offset of UTC-09:00.
Geographic Scope and Usage
The America/Atka zone applies to the western Aleutian Islands, including the city of Atka (located on Atka Island). This region is part of the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, USA. The zone is used by communities on islands west of 169°30′W longitude, such as Atka, Adak, and other remote settlements. These areas follow the same time as Hawaii during standard time but shift to one hour ahead during daylight saving time, unlike Hawaii which does not observe DST.
Offset and Abbreviation
Standard time: UTC-10:00, abbreviated HST (Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time). Daylight saving time: UTC-09:00, abbreviated HDT (Hawaii-Aleutian Daylight Time). The abbreviation reflects the broader Hawaii-Aleutian time zone, which spans from Hawaii to the western Aleutians. Despite sharing the name, Hawaii does not observe DST, so the Aleutian Islands are the only part of the zone that shifts to HDT.
Daylight Saving Time Behavior
America/Atka observes daylight saving time, starting on the second Sunday of March and ending on the first Sunday of November, in line with US federal law. Clocks spring forward from HST (UTC-10) to HDT (UTC-9) at 2:00 AM local standard time, and fall back at 2:00 AM local daylight time. Upcoming transitions: March 9, 2025 (forward); November 2, 2025 (back); March 8, 2026 (forward); November 1, 2026 (back). This pattern is consistent with most of the United States.
Countries and Cities
- Country: United States (Alaska)
- Primary city: Atka
- Other settlements: Adak, Nikolski, and other villages in the western Aleutians
The zone is sparsely populated, with a total population of a few hundred people. The largest community is Adak (population ~300), followed by Atka (population ~50).
Business Hours and Scheduling
When planning calls or meetings with America/Atka, note the following overlaps:
- With US West Coast (Pacific Time): During standard time (HST), Atka is 2 hours behind Los Angeles (UTC-8). Example: 9 AM in LA is 7 AM in Atka. During DST (HDT), Atka is 1 hour behind Los Angeles (UTC-7). Example: 9 AM in LA is 8 AM in Atka.
- With Hawaii (HST, no DST): During standard time, Atka and Hawaii share the same time (UTC-10). During DST, Atka is 1 hour ahead of Hawaii (UTC-9 vs UTC-10).
- With Tokyo (JST, UTC+9): Atka is 19 hours behind Tokyo during standard time, and 18 hours behind during DST. Best overlap for a call: late afternoon in Atka (4-5 PM) corresponds to early morning next day in Tokyo (10-11 AM).
- With Anchorage (Alaska Time, UTC-9 standard, UTC-8 DST): During standard time, Atka is 1 hour behind Anchorage. During DST, Atka is 1 hour behind Anchorage as well (HDT vs AKDT).
Because the zone is small, most business interactions are with government agencies or fishing industry contacts. The best times for calls to the US mainland are typically 7-10 AM Atka time (which is 9 AM-12 PM Pacific during standard time, or 8-11 AM Pacific during DST).
Relation to Other IANA Zones at UTC-10
Other zones at the same standard offset include:
- America/Adak: Also covers the western Aleutians, essentially identical to America/Atka. America/Atka is a historical alias that is now often linked to America/Adak.
- Pacific/Honolulu: Hawaii, which does not observe DST.
- Pacific/Rarotonga: Cook Islands, no DST.
- Pacific/Tahiti: French Polynesia (Tahiti), no DST.
- US/Hawaii: A link to Pacific/Honolulu.
America/Atka is unique among these because it observes DST, making it the only zone at UTC-10 that shifts to UTC-9 for part of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current time in America/Atka?
The current time depends on the date. During standard time (early November to early March), it is UTC-10 (HST). During daylight saving time (mid-March to early November), it is UTC-9 (HDT). You can check a world clock for the exact time.
Does America/Atka observe daylight saving time?
Yes, it observes DST from the second Sunday of March to the first Sunday of November, in line with US federal law. Clocks spring forward 1 hour in March and fall back 1 hour in November.
What is the difference between America/Atka and Pacific/Honolulu?
Both use HST (UTC-10) during standard time. However, America/Atka observes DST and shifts to HDT (UTC-9), while Pacific/Honolulu (Hawaii) does not observe DST and stays at UTC-10 year-round.
Is America/Atka the same as America/Adak?
Yes, they are essentially the same. America/Atka is a historical zone that is now often linked to America/Adak. Both cover the western Aleutian Islands and have identical time rules.
What cities are in the America/Atka time zone?
The main city is Atka, Alaska. Other settlements include Adak, Nikolski, and small villages on the western Aleutian Islands. The population is very small.
How do I convert America/Atka time to my local time?
First, determine whether America/Atka is on HST (UTC-10) or HDT (UTC-9). Then calculate the difference to your zone. For example, if you are in New York (UTC-5 standard, UTC-4 DST), during standard time Atka is 5 hours behind New York; during DST, Atka is 5 hours behind as well (HDT vs EDT). Use a time zone converter for accuracy.