Idaho is a state located in the northwestern United States. It is bordered by Montana to the north, Wyoming to the east, Utah to the south, and Oregon and Nevada to the west. The state is divided into four time zones: Pacific Time, Mountain Time, Central Time, and Eastern Time.
The majority of Idaho is in the Mountain Time Zone. This includes the cities of Boise, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Twin Falls. The Mountain Time Zone is seven hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). During daylight saving time, the Mountain Time Zone is six hours behind UTC.
Continue reading below to learn more about each time zone in Idaho, including the cities that are located in each zone.
What Timezone Is Idaho In
Idaho spans four time zones.
- Majority in Mountain Time
- Pacific Time in far west
- Central Time in small area
- Eastern Time in small area
- DST observed in all zones
- Boise in Mountain Time
- Lewiston in Pacific Time
- Island Park in Central Time
Time zone boundaries follow county lines.
Majority in Mountain Time
The majority of Idaho is in the Mountain Time Zone, which is seven hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). During daylight saving time, the Mountain Time Zone is six hours behind UTC.
- Largest cities in Mountain Time:
The largest cities in Idaho that are located in the Mountain Time Zone include Boise, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Twin Falls.
- Other cities in Mountain Time:
In addition to the largest cities, many other cities and towns in Idaho are also located in the Mountain Time Zone. These include cities such as Caldwell, Nampa, Meridian, and Coeur d'Alene.
- Counties in Mountain Time:
The following counties in Idaho are located entirely within the Mountain Time Zone: Ada, Adams, Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Blaine, Boise, Bonneville, Butte, Camas, Canyon, Caribou, Cassia, Clark, Custer, Elmore, Franklin, Fremont, Gem, Gooding, Jefferson, Jerome, Lemhi, Lincoln, Madison, Minidoka, Oneida, Owyhee, Payette, Power, Shoshone, Teton, Valley, and Washington.
- Counties partially in Mountain Time:
The following counties in Idaho are partially located in the Mountain Time Zone: Bonneville, Caribou, Cassia, Franklin, Fremont, Oneida, and Power.
The Mountain Time Zone is the most populous time zone in Idaho, with over 1.5 million people living in this zone.
Pacific Time in far west
The Pacific Time Zone is located in the far western part of Idaho, and it is eight hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). During daylight saving time, the Pacific Time Zone is seven hours behind UTC.
The largest city in Idaho that is located in the Pacific Time Zone is Lewiston. Other cities in the Pacific Time Zone include Clarkston, Grangeville, and Orofino.
The following counties in Idaho are located entirely within the Pacific Time Zone: Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis, and Nez Perce.
The following counties in Idaho are partially located in the Pacific Time Zone: Bonner, Boundary, Shoshone, and Valley.
The Pacific Time Zone is the least populous time zone in Idaho, with just over 100,000 people living in this zone.
The Pacific Time Zone is home to some of Idaho's most beautiful natural scenery, including the Clearwater River, the Snake River, and the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.
Central Time in small area
The Central Time Zone is located in a very small area of eastern Idaho, and it is six hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). During daylight saving time, the Central Time Zone is five hours behind UTC.
The only city in Idaho that is located in the Central Time Zone is Island Park. The city of Yellowstone, which is located in Yellowstone National Park, is also in the Central Time Zone.
The following county in Idaho is located entirely within the Central Time Zone: Fremont.
The following counties in Idaho are partially located in the Central Time Zone: Bonneville, Caribou, Cassia, Clark, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, Teton, and Yellowstone.
The Central Time Zone is the second least populous time zone in Idaho, with just over 10,000 people living in this zone.
The Central Time Zone in Idaho is home to some of the state's most popular tourist destinations, including Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and the Sawtooth Mountains.
Eastern Time in small area
The Eastern Time Zone is located in a very small area of eastern Idaho, and it is five hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). During daylight saving time, the Eastern Time Zone is four hours behind UTC.
- Only one city:
The only city in Idaho that is located in the Eastern Time Zone is Driggs.
- Counties in Eastern Time:
The following county in Idaho is located entirely within the Eastern Time Zone: Teton.
- Counties partially in Eastern Time:
The following counties in Idaho are partially located in the Eastern Time Zone: Bonneville, Caribou, Clark, Fremont, Jefferson, and Madison.
- Population:
The Eastern Time Zone is the least populous time zone in Idaho, with just over 5,000 people living in this zone.
The Eastern Time Zone in Idaho is home to some of the state's most popular ski resorts, including Grand Targhee Resort and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
DST observed in all zones
Daylight saving time (DST) is observed in all four time zones in Idaho. This means that clocks are set forward one hour in the spring and back one hour in the fall.
- DST dates:
DST in Idaho begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.
- All zones affected:
DST is observed in all four time zones in Idaho: Pacific Time, Mountain Time, Central Time, and Eastern Time.
- Reason for DST:
DST is used to make better use of daylight during the summer months. By setting clocks forward one hour, people can enjoy more daylight in the evening.
- Potential end of DST:
There is some debate about whether or not to end DST. Some people argue that DST is no longer necessary and that it can actually be harmful to our health.
Whether or not DST continues to be observed in Idaho is a decision that will be made by the state legislature.
Boise in Mountain Time
Boise, the capital city of Idaho, is located in the Mountain Time Zone. This means that Boise is seven hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) during standard time and six hours behind UTC during daylight saving time.
- Largest city in Mountain Time:
Boise is the largest city in Idaho that is located in the Mountain Time Zone.
- Other cities in Mountain Time:
Other cities in Idaho that are located in the Mountain Time Zone include Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Twin Falls.
- Counties in Mountain Time:
The following counties in Idaho are located entirely within the Mountain Time Zone: Ada, Adams, Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Blaine, Boise, Bonneville, Butte, Camas, Canyon, Caribou, Cassia, Clark, Custer, Elmore, Franklin, Fremont, Gem, Gooding, Jefferson, Jerome, Lemhi, Lincoln, Madison, Minidoka, Oneida, Owyhee, Payette, Power, Shoshone, Teton, Valley, and Washington.
- Counties partially in Mountain Time:
The following counties in Idaho are partially located in the Mountain Time Zone: Bonneville, Caribou, Cassia, Franklin, Fremont, Oneida, and Power.
The Mountain Time Zone is the most populous time zone in Idaho, with over 1.5 million people living in this zone.
Lewiston in Pacific Time
Lewiston, a city in northern Idaho, is located in the Pacific Time Zone. This means that Lewiston is eight hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) during standard time and seven hours behind UTC during daylight saving time.
- Largest city in Pacific Time:
Lewiston is the largest city in Idaho that is located in the Pacific Time Zone.
- Other cities in Pacific Time:
Other cities in Idaho that are located in the Pacific Time Zone include Clarkston, Grangeville, and Orofino.
- Counties in Pacific Time:
The following counties in Idaho are located entirely within the Pacific Time Zone: Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis, and Nez Perce.
- Counties partially in Pacific Time:
The following counties in Idaho are partially located in the Pacific Time Zone: Bonner, Boundary, Shoshone, and Valley.
The Pacific Time Zone is the least populous time zone in Idaho, with just over 100,000 people living in this zone.
Island Park in Central Time
Island Park, a city in eastern Idaho, is located in the Central Time Zone. This means that Island Park is six hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) during standard time and five hours behind UTC during daylight saving time.
- Only city in Central Time:
Island Park is the only city in Idaho that is located in the Central Time Zone.
- County in Central Time:
The following county in Idaho is located entirely within the Central Time Zone: Fremont.
- Counties partially in Central Time:
The following counties in Idaho are partially located in the Central Time Zone: Bonneville, Caribou, Cassia, Clark, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, Teton, and Yellowstone.
- Yellowstone National Park:
The city of Yellowstone, which is located in Yellowstone National Park, is also in the Central Time Zone.
The Central Time Zone is the second least populous time zone in Idaho, with just over 10,000 people living in this zone.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about time zones in Idaho:
Question 1: What time zone is most of Idaho in?
Answer: The majority of Idaho is in the Mountain Time Zone.
Question 2: What time zone is Lewiston in?
Answer: Lewiston is in the Pacific Time Zone.
Question 3: What time zone is Island Park in?
Answer: Island Park is in the Central Time Zone.
Question 4: What time zone is Driggs in?
Answer: Driggs is in the Eastern Time Zone.
Question 5: Does Idaho observe daylight saving time?
Answer: Yes, daylight saving time is observed in all four time zones in Idaho.
Question 6: What is the time difference between Boise and New York City?
Answer: During standard time, Boise is two hours behind New York City. During daylight saving time, Boise is three hours behind New York City.
Question 7: What is the time difference between Idaho Falls and Los Angeles?
Answer: During standard time, Idaho Falls is one hour ahead of Los Angeles. During daylight saving time, Idaho Falls is two hours ahead of Los Angeles.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ: These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about time zones in Idaho. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.
Continue reading below for some additional tips on understanding time zones in Idaho.
Tips
Here are a few tips for understanding time zones in Idaho:
Tip 1: Check the time zone map.
The best way to determine what time zone a particular city or town in Idaho is in is to check a time zone map. There are many different time zone maps available online and in print.
Tip 2: Use a time zone converter.
If you are traveling to Idaho from a different time zone, you can use a time zone converter to calculate the time difference between your home time zone and the time zone in Idaho.
Tip 3: Be aware of daylight saving time.
Daylight saving time is observed in all four time zones in Idaho. This means that clocks are set forward one hour in the spring and back one hour in the fall. Be sure to adjust your clocks accordingly.
Tip 4: Plan your travel accordingly.
If you are traveling to Idaho from a different time zone, be sure to plan your travel accordingly. You may need to arrive at your destination a day early or leave a day late to avoid jet lag.
Closing Paragraph for Tips: By following these tips, you can avoid any confusion about time zones in Idaho.
Now that you know all about time zones in Idaho, you can plan your trip with confidence.
Conclusion
Idaho is a state with four time zones: Pacific Time, Mountain Time, Central Time, and Eastern Time. The majority of the state is in the Mountain Time Zone, including the capital city of Boise. The Pacific Time Zone is located in the far western part of the state, the Central Time Zone is located in a small area in the eastern part of the state, and the Eastern Time Zone is located in an even smaller area in the eastern part of the state.
Daylight saving time is observed in all four time zones in Idaho. This means that clocks are set forward one hour in the spring and back one hour in the fall.
Closing Message: Whether you are visiting Idaho for business or pleasure, it is important to be aware of the different time zones in the state. By following the tips in this article, you can avoid any confusion about time zones and make the most of your trip.