What Time Is It in California?
Keeping track of time in California is essential for travelers, remote workers, and businesses. Whether you're planning a trip, scheduling a call, or checking market hours, knowing what time it is in California helps you stay on schedule. Let's explore California's time zones, daylight saving time, and how it compares to other regions.
Table of content
1. Understanding California’s Time Zone
California is in the Pacific Time Zone (PT), which is UTC -8:00 during standard time. This means that during most of the year, California is eight hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
Pacific Time vs. Other U.S. Time Zones
- Eastern Time (ET): 3 hours ahead of California
- Central Time (CT): 2 hours ahead of California
- Mountain Time (MT): 1 hour ahead of California
✅ Internal Link Suggestion: "Guide to U.S. Time Zones Explained"
2. Does California Observe Daylight Saving Time?
Yes, California follows daylight saving time (DST). Each year, clocks spring forward by one hour in March and fall back by one hour in November.
DST Schedule in California
- Starts: Second Sunday in March (UTC -7:00)
- Ends: First Sunday in November (UTC -8:00)
Many states and countries are considering eliminating daylight saving time, but California continues to follow the practice.
3. Comparing California Time to Other Time Zones
California time differs depending on where you are in the world. Here’s how California time compares:
| Region | Time Difference | Example Time in California |
| New York (ET) | +3 hours | 12:00 PM (NY) = 9:00 AM (CA) |
| London (GMT) | +8 hours | 8:00 PM (London) = 12:00 PM (CA) |
| Tokyo (JST) | +17 hours | 8:00 AM (Tokyo) = 3:00 PM (CA, previous day) |
4. How to Check the Current Time in California
You can always check the time in California using online world clocks, smartphone apps, and built-in device settings. Here are a few ways to keep track of California’s current time:
- Google Search: Simply type "What time is it in California?"
- Smartphone Clock Apps: Both iPhone and Android have built-in world clocks.
- Desktop Widgets: Windows and Mac allow adding time zones to your taskbar or menu bar.
✅ External Link Suggestion: Link to an online world clock tool
5. Best World Clocks & Time Management Tools
If you frequently schedule meetings with people in different time zones, using a world clock app or time zone converter can be a game changer.
Recommended Time Tracking Tools
- World Time Buddy – Ideal for planning international meetings
- Time and Date – Offers precise time conversions and daylight saving schedules
- Google Assistant/Siri – Ask, "What time is it in California?" for an instant answer
✅ Affiliate Product Suggestion: Digital World Clock for Home & Office
Final Thoughts
Knowing what time it is in California is essential for travel, business, and communication across different time zones. Whether you're planning a trip, scheduling meetings, or trading stocks, being aware of California’s time zone and daylight saving time adjustments ensures you're always on schedule.
