Arizona Time Now
Time Zone
Quick Answer
Arizona uses MST (UTC-7) year-round — no daylight saving time.
Exception: The Navajo Nation observes DST (MST/MDT). Use the dual-mode selector above.
Arizona's Unique Time Zone Situation
Arizona is one of only two US states (along with Hawaii) that does not observe daylight saving time. The state stays on MST (Mountain Standard Time, UTC-7) year-round. This was established by state legislature in 1968, primarily because the extra daylight in Arizona's already hot summer climate was considered undesirable.
This creates an unusual situation: during summer, Arizona shares the same time as California and the Pacific Time Zone (both UTC-7). During winter, Arizona is 1 hour ahead of California (MST UTC-7 vs PST UTC-8) and aligns with Mountain Time states like Colorado and Utah.
The Navajo Nation Exception
The Navajo Nation, which spans northeastern Arizona as well as parts of Utah and New Mexico, is the only part of Arizona that observes daylight saving time. The Navajo Nation follows Mountain Time with DST (MST in winter, MDT in summer). Interestingly, the Hopi Reservation, which is completely surrounded by the Navajo Nation, does NOT observe DST — creating a time zone “donut” effect.