Phoenix, Arizona, operates on Mountain Standard Time (MST), which is UTC-7, and does not observe daylight saving time. This means the city remains on the same time year-round, unlike most U.S. states. As a result, the time in Phoenix is consistently 2 hours behind New York City and 3 hours behind Los Angeles.
Arizona spans multiple time zones, but the majority of the state-including Phoenix-uses Mountain Standard Time (MST). Unlike neighboring states such as California and Nevada, Arizona does not shift clocks forward or backward during the year. This is due to a 1968 state law that opted out of daylight saving time, citing energy conservation and public health concerns. The decision applies statewide, though the Navajo Nation within Arizona does observe daylight saving time, creating a rare time zone split within a single state.
For travelers or remote workers coordinating with others in different regions, this lack of seasonal time changes simplifies scheduling. However, it also means Phoenix residents do not gain extra evening daylight in summer. The time difference between Phoenix and major U.S. cities remains constant throughout the year. For example, when it's 12:00 PM in Phoenix, it's 3:00 PM in New York and 2:00 PM in Los Angeles.
Arizona uses Mountain Standard Time (MST), UTC-7, year-round. The state does not participate in daylight saving time, so clocks do not change. This makes Arizona one of only two U.S. states (along with Hawaii) that do not observe daylight saving time. The absence of time shifts reduces confusion in daily routines, especially for healthcare providers, schools, and transportation systems.
The federal government recognizes Arizona's choice through the Uniform Time Act, which allows states to opt out. Arizona's legislature reaffirmed this exemption in 1968, and subsequent laws have maintained it. Despite periodic proposals to adopt daylight saving time, no legislation has passed since then. The state's position is consistent across all counties except for the Navajo Nation, which observes daylight saving time due to federal jurisdiction.
A common misconception is that Arizona follows Pacific Time. This is incorrect. While Phoenix is geographically close to California, it is not in the Pacific Time Zone. The time difference between Phoenix and Los Angeles is three hours, not one. During standard time, Los Angeles is on Pacific Standard Time (PST), UTC-8, while Phoenix remains on MST, UTC-7. When Los Angeles switches to Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), UTC-7, the gap disappears-but only temporarily. Once Los Angeles reverts to PST, the three-hour difference returns.
Arizona contains three distinct time zones due to its size and tribal jurisdictions. The table below outlines the differences:
| Region | Time Zone | UTC Offset | Daylight Saving? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix and most of Arizona | Mountain Standard Time (MST) | UTC-7 | No |
| Navajo Nation (parts of northern AZ) | Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) | UTC-6 | Yes |
| Parts of western Arizona near California border | Mountain Standard Time (MST) | UTC-7 | No |
This creates a unique situation where two time zones exist side by side within Arizona. For example, a business in Winslow (Navajo Nation) runs on MDT during summer months, while nearby Holbrook (non-Native land) stays on MST. Travelers crossing county lines may experience a one-hour time difference without changing time zones officially.
When coordinating meetings across these areas, it's essential to verify local time. A call scheduled at 10:00 AM in Phoenix may be at 11:00 AM in a Navajo community during daylight saving time. This inconsistency can cause scheduling errors if not accounted for.
Many assume that Arizona aligns with neighboring states' time changes. This leads to frequent misunderstandings in business and travel. For example, a flight from Phoenix to Las Vegas departs at 8:00 AM local time but arrives at 7:00 AM in Las Vegas, which does observe daylight saving time. The time difference appears to reverse because Las Vegas shifts clocks forward while Phoenix does not.
Another mistake is assuming that Arizona's lack of daylight saving time results in lower electricity usage. Research from the U.S. Department of Energy shows no significant energy savings from daylight saving time in Arizona. In fact, higher afternoon temperatures increase air conditioning demand, offsetting any potential benefits. A 2011 study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that extended daylight hours did not reduce residential energy consumption in Arizona.
I once attended a virtual conference with participants from Phoenix and Denver. When we scheduled a session at 1:00 PM Mountain Time, attendees in Denver were confused because they expected the time to shift. I had to clarify that Phoenix does not observe daylight saving time, while Denver does. That moment highlighted how easily time zone differences cause miscommunication-even among professionals.
To find the current time in Phoenix, use a reliable world clock service or check your device's time zone settings. Most smartphones automatically update based on location, but users in Arizona should confirm that the system is set to "Mountain Time" and not "Pacific Time."
Understanding the time in Phoenix requires knowing that Arizona's time zone is stable year-round. The city remains on Mountain Standard Time, UTC-7, without seasonal adjustments. This consistency benefits long-term planning but demands awareness when communicating across time zones.