Question 1

What's the difference between PST and PDT?

Accepted Answer

They are the two halves of Pacific Time. PST (Pacific Standard Time) is UTC-8 and runs through the winter; PDT (Pacific Daylight Time) is UTC-7 and runs through the summer, while daylight saving time is in effect.

Question 2

When do the clocks change?

Accepted Answer

Under current United States law, daylight saving time begins at 2:00 AM on the second Sunday in March (clocks jump to 3:00 AM, PST to PDT) and ends at 2:00 AM on the first Sunday in November (clocks fall back to 1:00 AM, PDT to PST).

Question 3

Should I write PT, PST, or PDT?

Accepted Answer

If you don't want to think about it, write PT (Pacific Time) — it is always correct. Use PST or PDT only when you mean the specific offset.

Question 4

Which places use Pacific Time?

Accepted Answer

In the U.S.: California, Washington, most of Oregon, northern Idaho, and most of Nevada including Las Vegas and Reno. In Canada: British Columbia including Vancouver. Mexico's Baja California follows the same schedule as California.