Alaska Time
AKST (UTC−9) in winter · AKDT (UTC−8) in summer
Used in Alaska (all regions) · Aleutian Islands use HAST (UTC−10) / HADT (UTC−9)
Current time in Alaska Time now:
Friday, March 20, 2026
AKDT · UTC-8 · America/Anchorage
Los Angeles
London
Paris
Beijing
TokyoAlaska Time (AKST/AKDT) — World Time Differences
Live time differences between Anchorage (AKST, UTC−9) and major world cities. All times update every second.
| City / Timezone | Current Time | UTC Offset | Offset from AKST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage (AKST) | 10:17:10 AM | UTC−9 / UTC−8 | — |
| Los Angeles (PST/PDT) | 11:17:10 AM | UTC−8 / UTC−7 | +1 hr |
| Denver (MST/MDT) | 12:17:10 PM | UTC−7 / UTC−6 | +2 hrs |
| Chicago (CST/CDT) | 01:17:10 PM | UTC−6 / UTC−5 | +3 hrs |
| New York (EST/EDT) | 02:17:10 PM | UTC−5 / UTC−4 | +4 hrs |
| London (GMT/BST) | 06:17:10 PM | UTC+0 / UTC+1 | +9 / +10 hrs |
| Paris (CET/CEST) | 07:17:10 PM | UTC+1 / UTC+2 | +10 / +11 hrs |
| Dubai (GST) | 10:17:10 PM | UTC+4 | +13 hrs |
| New Delhi (IST) | 11:47:10 PM | UTC+5:30 | +14:30 hrs |
| Beijing (CST) | 02:17:10 AM | UTC+8 | +17 hrs |
| Tokyo (JST) | 03:17:10 AM | UTC+9 | +18 hrs |
| Sydney (AEST/AEDT) | 05:17:10 AM | UTC+10 / UTC+11 | +19 / +20 hrs |
What Is Alaska Time?
Alaska Time refers to the timezone used by most of the US state of Alaska. In winter, Alaska observes Alaska Standard Time (AKST), which is UTC−9 — nine hours behind Coordinated Universal Time. In summer, the state switches to Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT), advancing one hour to UTC−8. The transition follows the same schedule as the rest of the continental United States: clocks spring forward on the second Sunday in March and fall back on the first Sunday in November.
Alaska is the westernmost state in the US and occupies an enormous geographic area — larger than Texas, California, and Montana combined. Despite this vast east-west span, almost the entire state uses a single timezone. The exception is the Aleutian Islands west of 169°30′W longitude, which use Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HAST, UTC−10) and Hawaii-Aleutian Daylight Time (HADT, UTC−9) during summer.
Anchorage, Alaska's largest city with roughly 290,000 residents, is the economic and transportation hub of the state. It accounts for approximately 40% of Alaska's total population. Fairbanks, the second-largest city, sits in the interior and is famous for its extreme temperatures and aurora borealis viewing. Juneau, the state capital, is uniquely inaccessible by road and can only be reached by air or sea.
Alaska's timezone position means it is the last US state to see each new day. During summer, Anchorage experiences extraordinarily long days — the summer solstice brings nearly 19.5 hours of daylight. Conversely, winter days are extremely short, with Anchorage receiving only about 5.5 hours of sunlight on the winter solstice. This dramatic variation in daylight is one of the defining characteristics of life in Alaska.
History of Alaska Time
After the US purchased Alaska from Russia on 18 October 1867, the territory moved from the Russian Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar and shifted from the east side of the International Date Line to the west side. This changed the date by one day and effectively moved Alaska from UTC+14 to UTC−10.
Alaska formally adopted standard time zones in 1900, following the US Standard Time Act. The territory was divided into multiple zones reflecting its vast east-west extent, with different communities using different offsets.
The US Standard Time Act of 1918 codified Alaska's timezone boundaries. At this point, Alaska used four separate time zones: Alaska Standard Time (UTC−10), Yukon Time (UTC−9), Pacific Time (UTC−8), and Hawaii Time (UTC−10:30).
The US Uniform Time Act of 1966 standardized Daylight Saving Time across the country. Alaska began observing DST consistently, though the state remained split across multiple timezone boundaries.
On 30 October 1983, the US Congress consolidated most of Alaska into a single timezone — Alaska Standard Time (AKST, UTC−9). This was a major change that moved most of the state from UTC−10 to UTC−9, giving Alaskans a unified time and simplifying commerce and communications across the state.
The Aleutian Islands west of 169°30′W were placed in the Hawaii-Aleutian timezone (HAST, UTC−10) rather than the new Alaska timezone. This exception remains in effect today, meaning a small portion of Alaska is still on UTC−10.
Like many US states, Alaska has seen legislative proposals to end the twice-yearly clock change and remain permanently on either AKST (UTC−9) or AKDT (UTC−8). As of 2026, no permanent change has been enacted, and Alaska continues to observe DST.
Major Cities in Alaska Time
All cities below use Alaska Standard Time (AKST, UTC−9) in winter and Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT, UTC−8) in summer, except the Aleutian Islands which use HAST (UTC−10).
| City | Current Time | Timezone | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | 10:17:10 AM | AKST/AKDT | Largest city; economic hub |
| Fairbanks | 10:17:10 AM | AKST/AKDT | Interior; aurora borealis |
| Juneau | 10:17:10 AM | AKST/AKDT | State capital; road-inaccessible |
| Sitka | 10:17:10 AM | AKST/AKDT | Former Russian capital |
| Ketchikan | 10:17:10 AM | AKST/AKDT | Salmon capital of the world |
| Wasilla | 10:17:10 AM | AKST/AKDT | Mat-Su Valley |
| Kenai | 10:17:10 AM | AKST/AKDT | Kenai Peninsula |
| Kodiak | 10:17:10 AM | AKST/AKDT | Kodiak Island; fishing industry |
| Bethel | 10:17:10 AM | AKST/AKDT | Western Alaska hub |
| Unalaska (Dutch Harbor) | 09:17:10 AM | HAST/HADT | Aleutian Islands; UTC−10 |
Alaska Time vs Other US Timezones
How Alaska Time (AKST/AKDT) compares to all other US timezone zones. Standard time offsets shown.
| Timezone | Abbr | UTC Offset | Diff vs AKST | Key Cities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii-Aleutian | HAST | UTC−10 | −1 hr | Honolulu, Adak |
| Alaska Time | AKST | UTC−9 | — | Anchorage, Fairbanks |
| Pacific Time | PST | UTC−8 | +1 hr | Los Angeles, Seattle |
| Mountain Time | MST | UTC−7 | +2 hrs | Denver, Phoenix |
| Central Time | CST | UTC−6 | +3 hrs | Chicago, Dallas |
| Eastern Time | EST | UTC−5 | +4 hrs | New York, Miami |
| Atlantic Time | AST | UTC−4 | +5 hrs | Halifax, San Juan |
Alaska Time — Frequently Asked Questions
What time is it in Alaska right now?+
The current time in Alaska (Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau) is shown live at the top of this page. Alaska uses Alaska Standard Time (AKST, UTC−9) in winter and Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT, UTC−8) in summer.
What UTC offset does Alaska use?+
Most of Alaska uses UTC−9 in winter (AKST) and UTC−8 in summer (AKDT). The Aleutian Islands west of 169°30′W use UTC−10 (HAST) in winter and UTC−9 (HADT) in summer.
When do clocks change in Alaska?+
Alaska clocks spring forward 1 hour on the second Sunday in March (2:00 AM → 3:00 AM, AKST → AKDT) and fall back 1 hour on the first Sunday in November (2:00 AM → 1:00 AM, AKDT → AKST). This follows the same schedule as the continental US.
Is Alaska Time the same as Pacific Time?+
No. Alaska Standard Time (AKST, UTC−9) is 1 hour behind Pacific Standard Time (PST, UTC−8). During summer, Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT, UTC−8) equals Pacific Standard Time (PST, UTC−8) but is 1 hour behind Pacific Daylight Time (PDT, UTC−7).
How many time zones does Alaska have?+
Alaska has two official time zones: Alaska Time (AKST/AKDT, UTC−9/UTC−8) used by most of the state, and Hawaii-Aleutian Time (HAST/HADT, UTC−10/UTC−9) used by the Aleutian Islands west of 169°30′W. Before 1983, Alaska was split across four different time zones.
What is the difference between AKST and AKDT?+
AKST (Alaska Standard Time) is UTC−9 and is observed from the first Sunday in November to the second Sunday in March. AKDT (Alaska Daylight Time) is UTC−8 and is observed from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November. The difference is exactly 1 hour — clocks are set forward in spring and back in autumn.
Why is Alaska in its own timezone?+
Alaska uses its own timezone because of its extreme western longitude. Before 1983, Alaska was split across four different time zones. Congress consolidated most of Alaska into a single zone (AKST, UTC−9) in 1983 to simplify commerce and communications. The state is too far west to share a timezone with the Pacific states without creating an unreasonably large offset from solar time.
What is the difference between AKST and EST?+
Alaska Standard Time (AKST, UTC−9) is 4 hours behind Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC−5). When it is 12:00 noon in New York, it is 8:00 AM in Anchorage. During summer, AKDT (UTC−8) is 3 hours behind EDT (UTC−4).
What is the difference between AKST and GMT?+
Alaska Standard Time (AKST, UTC−9) is 9 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT, UTC+0). When it is 12:00 noon in London (GMT), it is 3:00 AM in Anchorage. During UK Summer Time (BST, UTC+1), Anchorage is 10 hours behind London.
What is the difference between AKST and IST?+
Alaska Standard Time (AKST, UTC−9) and India Standard Time (IST, UTC+5:30) are 14 hours and 30 minutes apart. When it is 12:00 noon in Anchorage (AKST), it is 2:30 AM the next day in New Delhi (IST).
Delhi
Istanbul
Karachi
São Paulo
Buenos Aires
Jakarta
Mexico City
Dubai
Kinshasa
Manila
Seoul
Singapore
Bangkok
Cairo
Ho Chi Minh City
Melbourne
Moscow
Nairobi
Addis Ababa
Algiers
Baku
Barcelona
Berlin
Bogotá
Budapest
Dar es Salaam
Dhaka
Doha
Kabul
Lima
Havana
Kyiv
Muscat
Nuuk
Warsaw
Yerevan