Current Time in IANA America/Matamoros Timezone
IANA Name: America/Matamoros
Standard Offset: UTC −06:00
Daylight Saving: Yes
DST Offset: UTC −05:00
DST Abbreviation: CDT
Currently Observing DST: Yes ✅
America/Matamoros Time Zone: A Complete Guide
The America/Matamoros time zone is an IANA time zone identifier used in Mexico, anchored on the city of Matamoros in Tamaulipas. It observes Central Standard Time (CST) with a standard offset of UTC-06:00 and switches to Central Daylight Time (CDT) at UTC-05:00 during daylight saving time. This zone aligns with the U.S. Central Time Zone along the northern border, facilitating cross-border coordination.
Overview and Coverage
America/Matamoros applies to the northeastern Mexican state of Tamaulipas, including the city of Matamoros and surrounding areas. It is one of several Mexican time zones that observe daylight saving time in sync with the United States. The zone is used exclusively in Mexico; no other country shares this specific IANA identifier. Its standard offset of UTC-06:00 is shared by many zones across North and Central America, such as America/Chicago, America/Merida, and America/Guatemala, but each has distinct DST rules or historical differences.
Offset and Abbreviation
During standard time (winter), the offset is UTC-06:00, commonly called Central Standard Time (CST). During daylight saving time (summer), clocks advance to UTC-05:00, known as Central Daylight Time (CDT). The abbreviation shifts between CST and CDT twice a year. This offset places Matamoros six hours behind Coordinated Universal Time in winter and five hours behind in summer.
Daylight Saving Time Behavior
America/Matamoros observes daylight saving time annually. Clocks spring forward on the second Sunday of March at 2:00 a.m. local time to 3:00 a.m. CDT, and fall back on the first Sunday of November at 2:00 a.m. local time to 1:00 a.m. CST. Recent and upcoming dates include: March 9, 2025 (forward), November 2, 2025 (back), March 8, 2026 (forward), and November 1, 2026 (back). This schedule matches the U.S. DST period, which is important for cross-border commerce and travel.
Countries and Cities
The only country using America/Matamoros is Mexico. The anchor city is Matamoros, a major border city across from Brownsville, Texas. Other cities in this zone include Reynosa, Nuevo Laredo, and Ciudad Victoria, all in Tamaulipas. The zone covers the entire state of Tamaulipas, which borders the U.S. state of Texas.
Practical Guidance for Scheduling
When scheduling calls or business hours, note that America/Matamoros aligns with U.S. Central Time (e.g., Chicago) during both standard and daylight time. For example, 9:00 a.m. CST in Matamoros is 15:00 UTC in winter and 14:00 UTC in summer. For international coordination: during winter, Matamoros is 1 hour behind New York (EST), 2 hours ahead of Los Angeles (PST), and 6 hours behind London (GMT). During summer, it is 1 hour behind New York (EDT), 2 hours ahead of Los Angeles (PDT), and 6 hours behind London (BST). Always confirm DST status, as some neighboring Mexican zones (like America/Chihuahua) may have different DST rules.
Related Zones at the Same Standard Offset
Other IANA zones with standard offset UTC-06:00 include America/Bahia_Banderas, America/Belize, America/Chicago, America/Chihuahua, America/Costa_Rica, America/El_Salvador, America/Guatemala, America/Indiana/Knox, America/Indiana/Tell_City, America/Managua, America/Menominee, and America/Merida. However, each may have different DST observance or historical offsets, so always use the correct zone for your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current time in America/Matamoros?
The current time depends on the date. During standard time (winter), it is UTC-06:00 (CST). During daylight saving time (summer), it is UTC-05:00 (CDT). Check a world clock for the exact time.
Does America/Matamoros observe daylight saving time?
Yes. It observes DST from the second Sunday of March to the first Sunday of November, matching the U.S. schedule.
Which Mexican states use America/Matamoros?
Only the state of Tamaulipas uses this zone. Other states may use different zones like America/Merida or America/Chihuahua.
Is America/Matamoros the same as America/Chicago?
They share the same UTC offset and DST rules, but they are different IANA zones. America/Chicago is used in the U.S. Central Time zone. For Matamoros, always use America/Matamoros to ensure correct local time.
What is the time difference between America/Matamoros and New York?
During standard time, Matamoros is 1 hour behind New York (EST). During daylight time, it is also 1 hour behind New York (EDT).
When do clocks change in 2025?
Forward on March 9, 2025 at 2:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. CDT. Back on November 2, 2025 at 2:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. CST.