In this article, you'll find information about the current time in Mexico, including the time zones used in different parts of the country and how to convert your own local time to Mexican time. Whether you're planning a trip to Mexico or you just want to stay connected with family and friends there, knowing the time difference is essential. So read on and learn everything you need to know about the time in Mexico.
Mexico has four time zones: Central, Mountain, Pacific, and Northwest. The majority of the country, including Mexico City, falls within the Central Time Zone, which is CST (UTC-6) during standard time and CDT (UTC-5) during daylight saving time. The Mountain Time Zone, MST (UTC-7) during standard time and MDT (UTC-6) during daylight saving time, covers the states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Nayarit, Sinaloa, and Sonora. The Pacific Time Zone, PST (UTC-8) during standard time and PDT (UTC-7) during daylight saving time, includes the state of Baja California Sur. The Northwest Time Zone, formerly known as the Baja California Time Zone, uses MST (UTC-7) during standard time and MDT (UTC-6) during daylight saving time, and it covers the state of Baja California.
Keep reading to delve into specific details about time zones and how to calculate the time difference between your location and Mexico.
What is the time in Mexico
Here are ten important points to remember about the time in Mexico:
- Four time zones: Central, Mountain, Pacific, Northwest
- Central Time Zone: CST/CDT
- Majority of Mexico, including Mexico City
- Mountain Time Zone: MST/MDT
- Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Nayarit, Sinaloa, Sonora
- Pacific Time Zone: PST/PDT
- Baja California Sur
- Northwest Time Zone: MST/MDT
- Baja California
- Daylight saving time observed
Remember, daylight saving time is observed in Mexico, so the time may differ by one hour during certain periods of the year.
Four time zones: Central, Mountain, Pacific, Northwest
Mexico is divided into four time zones: Central, Mountain, Pacific, and Northwest. The majority of the country, including Mexico City, is in the Central Time Zone, which uses CST (UTC-6) as standard time and CDT (UTC-5) during daylight saving time. This time zone covers the states of Aguascalientes, Campeche, Colima, Mexico State, Mexico City, San Luis Potosí, and Zacatecas, among others.
The Mountain Time Zone, which uses MDT (UTC-6) as standard time and MDT (UTC-5) during daylight saving time, covers the states of Aguascalientes, Baja California Sur, Coahuila, Durango, Nayrit, Sinaloa, Sonora, and Zacatecas. This time zone is the same as Mountain Standard Time in the United States and observes daylight saving time in most areas.
The Pacific Time Zone, which uses PST (UTC-8) as standard time and PDT (UTC-7) during daylight saving time, covers the state of Baja California Sur. This time zone is the same as Pacific Standard Time in the United States and observes daylight saving time in most areas.
The Northwest Time Zone, which uses MDT (UTC-6) as standard time and MDT (UTC-5) during daylight saving time, covers the State of Baja California. This time zone was previously known as the Baja California Time Zone and is the same as Mountain Standard Time in the United States. It observes daylight saving time in most areas.
It's important to note that most of Mexico observes daylight saving time, except for some states in the Central and Mountain Time Zones. During daylight saving time, the time difference between Mexico and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is UTC-5 in the Central Time Zone, UTC-6 in the Mountain Time Zone, UTC-7 in the Pacific Time Zone, and UTC-6 in the Northwest Time Zone.
Central Time Zone: CST/CDT
The Central Time Zone in Mexico uses CST (UTC-6) as standard time and CDT (UTC-5) during daylight saving time. This time zone covers a significant portion of the country, including major cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. The states that fall within the Central Time Zone are Aguascalientes, Campeche, Chiapas, Colima, Mexico State, Mexico City, Nuevo León, Oaxaca, Puebla, Querétaro, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosí, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, and Yucatán.
When it is 12:00 PM CST in the Central Time Zone of Mexico, it is 11:00 AM MST in the Mountain Time Zone, 10:00 AM PST in the Pacific Time Zone, and 09:00 AM MST in the Northwest Time Zone. During daylight saving time, when it is 12:00 PM CDT in the Central Time Zone of Mexico, it is 11:00 AM MDT in the Mountain Time Zone, 10:00 AM PDT in the Pacific Time Zone, and 09:00 AM MDT in the Northwest Time Zone.
It's important to note that some states in the Central Time Zone, such as Sonora and Quintana Roo, do not observe daylight saving time. Therefore, the time difference between these states and the rest of the Central Time Zone is one hour during daylight saving time.
To determine the time in the Central Time Zone of Mexico, you can use an online time zone converter or simply subtract six hours from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) during standard time and five hours during daylight saving time.
Remember, daylight saving time in Mexico typically begins on the first Sunday of April and ends on the last Sunday of October. During this period, the time in the Central Time Zone changes from CST to CDT.
Majority of Mexico, including Mexico City
The Central Time Zone, which uses CST (UTC-6) as standard time and CDT (UTC-5) during daylight saving time, covers the majority of Mexico, including the capital city of Mexico City. This time zone is home to over نصف of the country's population and includes major cities like Guadalajara, Monterrey, Puebla, and Veracruz.
Mexico City, the country's largest city and political and cultural center, is located in the Central Time Zone. This means that when it is 12:00 PM CST in Mexico City, it is 11:00 AM MST in the Mountain Time Zone, 10:00 AM PST in the Pacific Time Zone, and 09:00 AM MST in the Northwest Time Zone. During daylight saving time, when it is 12:00 PM CDT in Mexico City, it is 11:00 AM MDT in the Mountain Time Zone, 10:00 AM PDT in the Pacific Time Zone, and 09:00 AM MDT in the Northwest Time Zone.
The majority of Mexico's population lives in the Central Time Zone, and this is also the time zone that is used by the federal government and most businesses. Therefore, if you are planning a trip to Mexico or conducting business with Mexican companies, it is important to be aware of the time difference between your location and the Central Time Zone.
To determine the time in Mexico City or any other location in the Central Time Zone, you can simply subtract six hours from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) during standard time and five hours during daylight saving time.
Remember, daylight saving time in Mexico typically begins on the first Sunday of April and ends on the last Sunday of October. During this period, the time in the Central Time Zone, including Mexico City, changes from CST to CDT.
Mountain Time Zone: MST/MDT
The Mountain Time Zone in Mexico uses MST (UTC-7) as standard time and MDT (UTC-6) during daylight saving time. This time zone covers the states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Nayarit, Sinaloa, and Sonora.
- States covered:
The Mountain Time Zone in Mexico covers the following states: Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Nayarit, Sinaloa, and Sonora.
- Time difference:
When it is 12:00 PM MST in the Mountain Time Zone of Mexico, it is 11:00 AM PST in the Pacific Time Zone, 10:00 AM MST in the Northwest Time Zone, and 09:00 AM CST in the Central Time Zone. During daylight saving time, when it is 12:00 PM MDT in the Mountain Time Zone, it is 11:00 AM PDT in the Pacific Time Zone, 10:00 AM MDT in the Northwest Time Zone, and 09:00 AM CDT in the Central Time Zone.
- Major cities:
Some of the major cities in the Mountain Time Zone of Mexico include Chihuahua, Ciudad Juárez, Torreón, Culiacán, and Mazatlán.
- Daylight saving time:
Most of the states in the Mountain Time Zone of Mexico observe daylight saving time, except for Sonora. This means that the time in these states changes from MST to MDT during the daylight saving time period.
The Mountain Time Zone in Mexico is home to a significant portion of the country's population and is an important region for agriculture, industry, and tourism. By understanding the time difference between the Mountain Time Zone and other parts of Mexico, as well as other countries, you can ensure that you stay connected with friends, family, and business associates in this region.
Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Nayarit, Sinaloa, Sonora
The states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Nayarit, Sinaloa, and Sonora are located in the Mountain Time Zone of Mexico. This time zone uses MST (UTC-7) as standard time and MDT (UTC-6) during daylight saving time.
- Chihuahua:
Chihuahua is the largest state in Mexico by land area. It is known for its deserts, mountains, and canyons, including the Copper Canyon, which is larger than the Grand Canyon in the United States.
- Coahuila:
Coahuila is a state in northern Mexico that borders the United States. It is known for its deserts, mountains, and natural resources, such as coal, iron ore, and silver.
- Durango:
Durango is a state in northern Mexico that is known for its mountains, forests, and canyons. It is also home to a significant indigenous population.
- Nayarit:
Nayarit is a state on the Pacific coast of Mexico. It is known for its beaches, mountains, and tropical climate. Nayarit is also home to the Islas Marías, a group of islands that are now a protected biosphere reserve.
- Sinaloa:
Sinaloa is a state on the Pacific coast of Mexico. It is known for its agriculture, fishing, and mining industries. Sinaloa is also home to several popular tourist destinations, including Mazatlán and Los Cabos.
- Sonora:
Sonora is a state in northwestern Mexico that borders the United States. It is known for its deserts, mountains, and coastline. Sonora is also home to the Seri people, an indigenous group that has lived in the region for centuries.
The states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Nayarit, Sinaloa, and Sonora are all important contributors to the economy and culture of Mexico. By understanding the time difference between these states and other parts of Mexico, as well as other countries, you can ensure that you stay connected with friends, family, and business associates in this region.
Pacific Time Zone: PST/PDT
The Pacific Time Zone in Mexico uses PST (UTC-8) as standard time and PDT (UTC-7) during daylight saving time. This time zone covers the state of Baja California Sur, which is located on the Baja California Peninsula.
Baja California Sur is known for its beautiful beaches, desert landscapes, and unique marine life. It is a popular tourist destination, especially for those interested in water sports and ecotourism. The state is also home to several important cultural and historical sites, including the Jesuit missions of Loreto and San Javier.
When it is 12:00 PM PST in the Pacific Time Zone of Mexico, it is 11:00 AM MST in the Mountain Time Zone, 10:00 AM CST in the Central Time Zone, and 09:00 AM MST in the Northwest Time Zone. During daylight saving time, when it is 12:00 PM PDT in the Pacific Time Zone, it is 11:00 AM MDT in the Mountain Time Zone, 10:00 AM CDT in the Central Time Zone, and 09:00 AM MDT in the Northwest Time Zone.
Most of Baja California Sur observes daylight saving time, except for some remote areas. This means that the time in these areas changes from PST to PDT during the daylight saving time period.
To determine the time in the Pacific Time Zone of Mexico, you can simply subtract eight hours from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) during standard time and seven hours during daylight saving time.
Baja California Sur
Baja California Sur is a state in Mexico that is located on the Baja California Peninsula. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Gulf of California to the east. The state capital is La Paz.
Baja California Sur is known for its beautiful beaches, desert landscapes, and unique marine life. It is a popular tourist destination, especially for those interested in water sports and ecotourism. The state is also home to several important cultural and historical sites, including the Jesuit missions of Loreto and San Javier.
The Pacific Time Zone in Mexico covers the state of Baja California Sur. This means that when it is 12:00 PM PST in Baja California Sur, it is 11:00 AM MST in the Mountain Time Zone, 10:00 AM CST in the Central Time Zone, and 09:00 AM MST in the Northwest Time Zone. During daylight saving time, when it is 12:00 PM PDT in Baja California Sur, it is 11:00 AM MDT in the Mountain Time Zone, 10:00 AM CDT in the Central Time Zone, and 09:00 AM MDT in the Northwest Time Zone.
Most of Baja California Sur observes daylight saving time, except for some remote areas. This means that the time in these areas changes from PST to PDT during the daylight saving time period.
To determine the time in Baja California Sur, you can simply subtract eight hours from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) during standard time and seven hours during daylight saving time.
Northwest Time Zone: MST/MDT
The Northwest Time Zone in Mexico uses MST (UTC-7) as standard time and MDT (UTC-6) during daylight saving time. This time zone covers the state of Baja California, which is located on the Baja California Peninsula.
Baja California is known for its beautiful beaches, desert landscapes, and unique marine life. It is a popular tourist destination, especially for those interested in water sports and ecotourism. The state is also home to several important cultural and historical sites, including the cave paintings of San Borjita and theMisión de San Miguel Arcángel.
The Northwest Time Zone is the same as the Mountain Time Zone in the United States and observes daylight saving time in most areas. When it is 12:00 PM MST in the Northwest Time Zone of Mexico, it is 11:00 AM PST in the Pacific Time Zone, 10:00 AM CST in the Central Time Zone, and 09:00 AM MST in the Mountain Time Zone. During daylight saving time, when it is 12:00 PM MDT in the Northwest Time Zone, it is 11:00 AM PDT in the Pacific Time Zone, 10:00 AM CDT in the Central Time Zone, and 09:00 AM MDT in the Mountain Time Zone.
Most of Baja California observes daylight saving time, except for some remote areas. This means that the time in these areas changes from MST to MDT during the daylight saving time period.
To determine the time in the Northwest Time Zone of Mexico, you can simply subtract seven hours from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) during standard time and six hours during daylight saving time.
Baja California
Baja California is a state in Mexico that is located on the Baja California Peninsula. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Gulf of California to the east. The state capital is Mexicali.
- Beautiful beaches:
Baja California is known for its beautiful beaches, which are popular for swimming, surfing, and other water sports. Some of the most popular beaches in Baja California include Playa El Médano, Playa Palmilla, and Playa del Amor.
- Desert landscapes:
Baja California is also home to desert landscapes, including the Vizcaíno Desert and the Colorado Desert. These deserts are home to a variety of plants and animals, including cacti, lizards, and snakes.
- Unique marine life:
Baja California is home to a variety of marine life, including whales, dolphins, sea lions, and sea turtles. The state is also home to several marine protected areas, including the Bahía de Los Ángeles Marine Park and the Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park.
- Cultural and historical sites:
Baja California is home to several cultural and historical sites, including the cave paintings of San Borjita and the Misión de San Miguel Arcángel. The state is also home to several museums, including the Museo de las Californias and the Museo de Arte de Baja California.
Baja California is a popular tourist destination, especially for those interested in water sports and ecotourism. The state offers a variety of activities for visitors, including swimming, surfing, snorkeling, diving, hiking, and biking. Baja California is also home to several world-class resorts and spas.
Daylight saving time observed
Daylight saving time (DST) is a practice of setting clocks forward one hour during the summer months so that daylight lasts until later in the evening. This is done to make better use of natural light and reduce the need for artificial lighting. Mexico observes daylight saving time in most areas, except for some remote regions and the state of Sonora.
Daylight saving time in Mexico typically begins on the first Sunday of April and ends on the last Sunday of October. During this period, the time in most of the country changes from standard time to daylight saving time. This means that when it is 12:00 PM standard time, it becomes 1:00 PM daylight saving time.
The following states in Mexico observe daylight saving time:
- Aguascalientes
- Baja California Sur
- Campeche
- Chiapas
- Chihuahua
- Coahuila
- Colima
- Durango
- Guanajuato
- Guerrero
- Hidalgo
- Jalisco
- Mexico State
- Mexico City
- Michoacán
- Morelos
- Nayarit
- Nuevo León
- Oaxaca
- Puebla
- Querétaro
- Quintana Roo
- San Luis Potosí
- Sinaloa
- Tabasco
- Tamaulipas
- Tlaxcala
- Veracruz
- Yucatán
- Zacatecas
It is important to note that some states in Mexico, such as Sonora and Quintana Roo, do not observe daylight saving time. Therefore, the time in these states does not change during the daylight saving time period.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the time in Mexico:
Question 1: What time zones are used in Mexico?
Answer: Mexico has four time zones: Central, Mountain, Pacific, and Northwest.
Question 2: What is the time difference between Mexico and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)?
Answer: During standard time, Mexico is UTC-6 in the Central Time Zone, UTC-7 in the Mountain Time Zone, UTC-8 in the Pacific Time Zone, and UTC-7 in the Northwest Time Zone. During daylight saving time, Mexico is UTC-5 in the Central Time Zone, UTC-6 in the Mountain Time Zone, UTC-7 in the Pacific Time Zone, and UTC-6 in the Northwest Time Zone.
Question 3: Does Mexico observe daylight saving time?
Answer: Yes, most of Mexico observes daylight saving time, except for some remote regions and the state of Sonora.
Question 4: When does daylight saving time start and end in Mexico?
Answer: Daylight saving time in Mexico typically begins on the first Sunday of April and ends on the last Sunday of October.
Question 5: Which states in Mexico do not observe daylight saving time?
Answer: The states of Sonora and Quintana Roo do not observe daylight saving time.
Question 6: How can I find out the current time in Mexico?
Answer: You can use an online time zone converter or simply subtract the appropriate number of hours from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) based on the time zone you are interested in.
Question 7: What should I keep in mind when traveling to Mexico from a different time zone?
Answer: When traveling to Mexico from a different time zone, it is important to adjust your watch or phone to the local time and give yourself time to adjust to the new time zone. You may also want to consider taking a melatonin supplement to help with sleep.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the time in Mexico. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask in the comments section below.
Now that you know more about the time in Mexico, here are a few tips to help you stay on schedule during your trip:
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you stay on schedule during your trip to Mexico:
Tip 1: Adjust your watch or phone to the local time as soon as you arrive in Mexico.
This will help you avoid any confusion or missed appointments.
Tip 2: Give yourself time to adjust to the new time zone.
It can take a few days to fully adjust to a new time zone, so be patient with yourself. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends.
Tip 3: Consider taking a melatonin supplement to help with sleep.
Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate sleep. Taking a melatonin supplement can help you fall asleep more easily and get a better night's sleep.
Tip 4: Be aware of the time difference when making plans.
When scheduling meetings or activities, be sure to take the time difference into account. You don't want to be late for an appointment because you forgot about the time difference!
Tip 5: Use a time zone converter to help you keep track of the time.
There are many online time zone converters available that can help you quickly and easily convert the time in Mexico to your local time.
By following these tips, you can help yourself stay on schedule and make the most of your trip to Mexico.
Now that you know more about the time in Mexico and have some tips for staying on schedule, you're all set for your trip! Remember to relax and enjoy your time in this beautiful country.