Current Time in GMT − 9 Zone
About GMT-9
GMT-9 is nine hours behind Greenwich Mean Time. It is known as Alaska Standard Time (AKST), used by most of Alaska during the winter. It is also used year-round by parts of French Polynesia. Alaska observes DST, shifting to GMT-8 in the summer.
UTC Offset: GMT-9
What is GMT-9?
GMT-9 means Greenwich Mean Time 9 hours behind the Greenwich meridian, the historical reference line running through the Royal Observatory in London. GMT offsets are the everyday way many countries, broadcasters, and travel timetables describe their local time relative to the UK.
Note that some of the countries listed below sit on GMT-9 for only part of the year: when daylight saving time starts or ends they move one hour, so always check the live local times shown on this page or on each country's own page.
GMT-9 vs UTC-9
For everyday purposes GMT-9 and UTC-9 are the same wall-clock time. GMT is the traditional name based on mean solar time at Greenwich, while UTC is the modern atomic-time standard used by computers and aviation. If you are setting a meeting or catching a flight, either works; if you are configuring a server, use UTC-9.
Time & Daylight in GMT-9
Time Difference Between GMT-9 and Major Cities
Live local time and the difference from GMT-9 right now.
Current time shown is based on the representative IANA zone: Etc/GMT+9
GMT-9: The Fixed Offset of Alaska and the Gambier Islands
GMT-9 is a fixed UTC offset of nine hours behind Coordinated Universal Time. Unlike named time zones that may shift with daylight saving time, this offset remains constant year-round. However, regions that observe DST move onto or off this offset seasonally, meaning the list of countries and territories at GMT-9 changes twice a year. This article explores the geography, history, and practical implications of this specific offset.
Fixed Offset vs. Named Time Zone
A fixed offset like GMT-9 is simply a number: the local time is always UTC minus 9 hours. A named time zone, such as Alaska Time, can have different offsets depending on the season. For example, Alaska Time is GMT-9 during standard time but switches to GMT-8 during daylight saving time. So while Alaska is part of the GMT-9 offset in winter, it leaves it in summer. Other areas, like the Gambier Islands in French Polynesia, stay on GMT-9 all year.
Regions and Cities at GMT-9
The primary regions that observe GMT-9 as their standard time are the U.S. state of Alaska (excluding the western Aleutians) and the Gambier Islands in French Polynesia. Key cities in Alaska include Anchorage, Juneau, Metlakatla, Nome, Sitka, and Yakutat. In the Gambier Islands, the main settlement is Rikitea on Mangareva. The IANA time zone identifiers for these areas are: America/Anchorage, America/Juneau, America/Metlakatla, America/Nome, America/Sitka, America/Yakutat, Pacific/Gambier, and the alias US/Alaska.
Seasonal Shifts and DST
Because Alaska observes daylight saving time, the region moves to GMT-8 from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November. During that period, only the Gambier Islands remain on GMT-9. Conversely, from November to March, Alaska rejoins the offset. This means the list of countries at GMT-9 is not static: in winter it includes the United States (Alaska) and French Polynesia (Gambier); in summer it is only French Polynesia.
Military and Zulu Time
In military time zone notation, GMT-9 is designated by the letter 'V' (Victor). However, Zulu time (Z) always refers to UTC, not any offset. So while GMT and UTC read the same on a clock, GMT-9 is simply UTC minus 9 hours. There is no daylight saving in Zulu time.
Practical Scheduling Notes
When scheduling across GMT-9, remember that Alaskan cities shift their offset twice a year. If you are coordinating with Anchorage in July, the offset is GMT-8; in January it is GMT-9. The Gambier Islands are always GMT-9. Also note that Alaska spans multiple longitudes, but most of the state uses GMT-9 in winter. The western Aleutian Islands (west of 169°30'W) use GMT-10 (Hawaii-Aleutian time).
Frequently Asked Questions
What countries are in GMT-9 right now?
It depends on the time of year. From November to March, the United States (Alaska) and French Polynesia (Gambier Islands) are on GMT-9. From March to November, only French Polynesia remains on GMT-9 because Alaska switches to GMT-8 for daylight saving time.
Is Alaska always GMT-9?
No. Alaska uses Alaska Time, which is GMT-9 during standard time (winter) and GMT-8 during daylight saving time (summer). So Alaska is at GMT-9 only from early November to early March.
What is the difference between GMT-9 and UTC-9?
There is no difference. GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) and UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) are functionally the same for timekeeping purposes. Both are used as the reference for time zones. So GMT-9 and UTC-9 mean exactly the same offset.
Which major cities use GMT-9?
Major cities in Alaska that use GMT-9 in winter include Anchorage, Juneau, Fairbanks, and Nome. In the Gambier Islands, the main village is Rikitea. Note that Anchorage and Juneau switch to GMT-8 in summer.
What is the military time zone letter for GMT-9?
The military letter for GMT-9 is 'V' (Victor). However, military operations often use Zulu (Z) for UTC, not local offsets. So a time like 14:00Z is 05:00 in GMT-9 (Victor time).
Does the Gambier Islands observe daylight saving time?
No. French Polynesia does not observe daylight saving time. The Gambier Islands remain on GMT-9 year-round. This makes them a consistent reference point for the offset.