Alaska Standard Time (AKST)
Alaska Standard Time (AKST) is UTC−9 during standard time and Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT) is UTC−8 during daylight saving; it covers most of Alaska and the Gambier Islands.
Overview
Alaska Standard Time (abbreviated AKST) is the time standard used for most of the U.S. state of Alaska during the autumn and winter months. It is nine hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC−9). During the spring and summer months, clocks are advanced one hour for daylight saving and the zone is called Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT), which is UTC−8; see more on daylight saving and on standard time.
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Characteristics and offsets
The basic offsets are:
- AKST: UTC−9 (standard / winter)
- AKDT: UTC−8 (daylight saving / summer)
Regions that use Alaska Time
Most of the state of Alaska uses this zone; exceptions include parts of the Aleutian Islands farther west, which follow the Hawaii–Aleutian time zone. Outside the United States, the Gambier Islands in French Polynesia also share the UTC−9 offset year-round. A concise list follows:
- Most of Alaska (United States)
- Gambier Islands (French Polynesia)
For a broader context of how U.S. time zones are organized, consult a general time zone reference here.
History and practice
Alaska historically used multiple time zones owing to its size and isolated communities. Over time the state simplified its timekeeping so that most of the population observes a single Alaska time zone to ease communication and transportation. The state follows the United States' daylight saving schedule; clocks move forward in spring and back in autumn. For seasonal labels (winter and summer), see the related notes on winter time and summer time.
Notable facts and distinctions
AKST/AKDT is distinct from the Hawaii–Aleutian time zone, which is generally one hour behind Alaska time. Differences can affect travel, broadcasting schedules, and cross-region coordination. When working across time zones, always confirm whether a location is observing daylight saving time to avoid errors.
Questions and answers
Q: How many hours does the Alaska Time Zone subtract from UTC during standard time?
A: The Alaska Time Zone subtracts nine hours from UTC during standard time (UTC-9).
Q: How many hours does the Alaska Time Zone subtract from UTC during daylight saving time?
A: The Alaska Time Zone subtracts eight hours from UTC during daylight saving time (UTC-8).
Q: What is the name of the time zone during standard time in Alaska?
A: The time zone during standard time in Alaska is called Alaska Standard Time (AKST).
Q: What is the name of the time zone during daylight saving time in Alaska?
A: The time zone during daylight saving time in Alaska is called Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT).
Q: Which countries or regions are in the Alaska Time Zone?
A: The countries or regions that are in the Alaska Time Zone are the United States (most of Alaska), France, and Gambier Islands.
Q: Does the Alaska Time Zone observe daylight saving time?
A: Yes, the Alaska Time Zone observes daylight saving time.
Q: How does the time difference between UTC and the Alaska Time Zone change during daylight saving time?
A: During daylight saving time in Alaska, the time difference between UTC and the Alaska Time Zone is reduced by one hour (from UTC-9 to UTC-8).
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Author
AlegsaOnline.com Alaska Standard Time (AKST) Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/2014