Current Time in IANA America/Phoenix Timezone
IANA Name: America/Phoenix
Standard Offset: UTC −07:00
Daylight Saving: No
Currently Observing DST: No ❌
America/Phoenix: The Constant Mountain Time Zone
America/Phoenix is the IANA time zone identifier for a large portion of the U.S. state of Arizona, including the major city of Phoenix. It observes Mountain Standard Time (MST) year-round with a constant offset of UTC-07:00, meaning it does not participate in daylight saving time. This makes it unique among most North American time zones, which shift between standard and daylight time twice a year.
Where America/Phoenix Applies
America/Phoenix covers most of Arizona, including the Phoenix metropolitan area, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, and Flagstaff. The entire state of Arizona is split between this zone and America/Denver (used by the Navajo Nation, which does observe daylight saving time). The zone is used exclusively in the United States.
Offset and Abbreviation
The standard offset is UTC-07:00, abbreviated as MST (Mountain Standard Time). Because there is no daylight saving time, the abbreviation remains MST all year. This contrasts with zones like America/Denver, which switches between MST (UTC-07:00) in winter and MDT (UTC-06:00) in summer.
No Daylight Saving Time
Arizona opted out of daylight saving time in 1968 under the Uniform Time Act, citing the state's extreme heat: an extra hour of evening daylight would increase energy consumption for air conditioning. As a result, America/Phoenix stays constant at UTC-07:00. This means that during summer, Phoenix is on the same time as Pacific Daylight Time (PDT, UTC-07:00) but lags behind Mountain Daylight Time (MDT, UTC-06:00). In winter, it aligns with Mountain Standard Time (MST).
Key Cities and Regions
- Phoenix (capital and largest city)
- Tucson
- Mesa
- Chandler
- Scottsdale
- Flagstaff (note: some areas near the Navajo Nation may follow America/Denver)
Business Hours and Scheduling
Because America/Phoenix does not change, scheduling with other regions requires seasonal awareness. From March to November (U.S. daylight saving period):
- Phoenix is 1 hour behind Denver (MDT, UTC-06:00).
- Phoenix is on the same time as Los Angeles (PDT, UTC-07:00).
- Phoenix is 2 hours behind New York (EDT, UTC-04:00).
From November to March (standard time):
- Phoenix is on the same time as Denver (MST, UTC-07:00).
- Phoenix is 1 hour ahead of Los Angeles (PST, UTC-08:00).
- Phoenix is 2 hours behind New York (EST, UTC-05:00).
For international calls, note that Phoenix is UTC-07:00 year-round. For example, London (UTC+00:00 in winter, UTC+01:00 in summer) is 7 or 8 hours ahead. Tokyo (UTC+09:00) is 16 hours ahead. Always check the current offset of the other zone.
Other IANA Zones at the Same Standard Offset
Several other zones share the UTC-07:00 standard offset: America/Boise, America/Cambridge_Bay, America/Ciudad_Juarez, America/Creston, America/Dawson, America/Dawson_Creek, America/Denver, America/Edmonton, America/Fort_Nelson, America/Hermosillo, America/Inuvik, America/Mazatlan. However, most of these observe daylight saving time, so their actual offset varies. America/Phoenix is one of the few that remains constant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Phoenix observe daylight saving time?
No. America/Phoenix does not observe daylight saving time. The offset is UTC-07:00 all year.
What is the time difference between Phoenix and New York?
It depends on the season. When New York is on Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC-04:00), Phoenix is 2 hours behind. When New York is on Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC-05:00), Phoenix is 2 hours behind as well? Wait: Phoenix is UTC-07:00, New York EST is UTC-05:00, so 2 hours behind. Actually, it's always 2 hours behind New York because New York shifts by 1 hour and Phoenix doesn't. Let's correct: In summer (EDT, UTC-04:00), Phoenix is 3 hours behind. In winter (EST, UTC-05:00), Phoenix is 2 hours behind. So the difference changes.
Why doesn't Arizona observe daylight saving time?
Arizona opted out in 1968 to reduce energy use for air conditioning. An extra hour of evening sunlight in summer would increase cooling costs.
Is all of Arizona on America/Phoenix?
No. The Navajo Nation in northeastern Arizona observes daylight saving time and uses America/Denver (MST/MDT). The rest of the state uses America/Phoenix.
What is the current time in Phoenix?
Phoenix uses Mountain Standard Time (MST) year-round, UTC-07:00. To get the current time, check a world clock or use the IANA time zone database.
How do I schedule a call with someone in Phoenix from Europe?
Phoenix is UTC-07:00. For example, London is UTC+00:00 in winter (7 hours ahead) and UTC+01:00 in summer (8 hours ahead). Adjust accordingly. Use a time zone converter to avoid errors.