What are the U.S. Time Zones? List of 6 U.S. Time Zones Explained

Due to its massive size, the United States, innumerable miles from east to west, cannot always function under the same local time. Thus, the United States officially recognizes six time zones in order to be organized and in line with the natural location of the sun on varying territories. This system allows for organized plans for starting business hours, broadcasting times, opening flights, and knowing when kids are attending school. From busy New York City in the Eastern Time Zone to sunny Honolulu in the Hawaii-Aleutian Time Zone, every area is operating under its own clock. But why does the United States require so many Time Zones?  And how does it all work so well? Let's expand on that.

Check Out: Why is Chicago called The Windy City? Check History and Major Reasons Behind the Nickname

What Are the U.S. Time Zones?

The United States is a huge geographical area, so it is divided into six standard time zones so it can accommodate its time in all the regions. They are: Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific, Alaska, and Hawaii–Aleutian. 

Within each zone, standard time is set according to local time, which is calculated by the position of the planet revolving on its axis in relation to the sun's position in the sky. In doing so, the coordination of transportation, communication and government activity, and daily life can occur at the local/regional experience.

 The standard time zones were introduced by U.S. railroads in the 1880s, to avoid confusion in departures and arrivals in train schedules, and later enacted by law. Most U.S. states also observe Daylight Saving Time, which means that in the warmer months, clocks are pushed ahead one hour, allowing for extended daylight to last later into the evening. 

Hawaii and most of Arizona do not observe Daylight Saving Time. It is helpful to understand U.S. time zones for travel, business, and keeping track of time across the U.S. landscape.

List of U.S. Time Zones

Here is the list of U.S. Time Zones along with areas they cover: 

6 U.S. Time Zones Explained

Here is a detailed explanation of the six U.S. time zones: 

1. Eastern Time Zone (ET)

Eastern Time is the easternmost time zone in the continental United States. Cities that operate on Eastern Time include New York, Washington D.C., Atlanta, and Miami. Eastern Time is commonly used for national broadcasts, stock markets, and politics. 

2. Central Time Zone (CT)

Central Time is one hour behind Eastern Time and includes cities such as Chicago, Dallas, Houston, and Minneapolis. Central Time covers most of the Midwest as well as some of the southern portions of the U.S. Central Time represents the midpoint between Eastern and Mountain Time. 

3. Mountain Time Zone (MT)

Mountain Time is generally used by many states like Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. Mountain Time is one hour behind Central Time and has a lower population than states in the Eastern and Central Time zones. 

4. Pacific Time Zone (PT)

This time zone includes California, Washington, Oregon, and Nevada. Pacific Time is an important time zone for the entertainment and technology industries. Pacific time is three hours behind Eastern Time when it is 3PM on the East Coast it is noon on the West Coast.

5. Alaska Time Zone (AKT) 

This time zone is only used in Alaska and is four hours behind Eastern Time. Being more northern, there is more variability in daylight hours across the year. 

6. Hawaii–Aleutian Time Zone (HAT) 

This time zone only covers Hawaii the Hawaiian Islands and the Aleutian Islands in Alaska. Hawaii is the furthest West and the last time zone in the U.S. at five hours behind the East Coast.