what is the time in idaho

2 min read 15-04-2025

Knowing the time in Idaho can be tricky because the state observes Mountain Standard Time (MST) and Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), depending on the region. This guide will clarify Idaho's time zones and help you determine the current time in any part of the state.

Idaho's Time Zones: MST and PDT

Idaho primarily observes Mountain Standard Time (MST), which is seven hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-7). However, a small portion of the state in the northwest corner observes Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), which is eight hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-8) during daylight saving time.

Mountain Standard Time (MST)

Most of Idaho follows MST. This means that during standard time (November to March), the time in these areas is seven hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). During daylight saving time (March to November), the time is six hours behind GMT. This is because Idaho observes daylight saving time, shifting the clock forward one hour.

Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)

A small area of Idaho, located in the northwest corner of the state, observes PDT. This region doesn't observe daylight saving time. Thus it remains consistently eight hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) year-round.

Finding the Current Time in Idaho

There are several ways to find the current time in specific locations within Idaho:

Online Time Zone Converters: Numerous websites and apps allow you to input a city or zip code in Idaho to obtain the current time. Many search engines will also show the current time for a location when you search for it.
Digital Clocks and Devices: Most smartphones and computers automatically adjust to the correct time zone based on your location settings. Ensure your location is correctly set to an Idaho city.
Local News Websites: Local news websites often display the current time in their region as part of their weather or news updates.

Daylight Saving Time in Idaho

Idaho observes daylight saving time (except for the small area in the northwest). This means that clocks are moved forward one hour in the spring and backward one hour in the fall. The exact dates for the transitions are established annually. It's advisable to check official government sources for the most up-to-date information on the start and end dates of daylight saving time each year. This is important for accurate timekeeping and scheduling.

Cities and Their Time Zones

To illustrate, here are a few examples of major Idaho cities and the time zone they observe:

Boise: Mountain Standard Time (MST)
Idaho Falls: Mountain Standard Time (MST)
Twin Falls: Mountain Standard Time (MST)
Coeur d'Alene: Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)

Remember to always verify the specific time zone for your desired location within Idaho, using the resources mentioned above.

Conclusion

Understanding Idaho's time zones is essential for accurate scheduling, communication, and travel planning. By utilizing online tools and being aware of daylight saving time, you can easily determine the current time in any part of this geographically diverse state. Remember the distinction between MST and PDT and consult reliable resources for the most accurate information.