Current Time in Eastern Time (EDT)
Eastern Time Now
Check the current Eastern Time in the United States with our live clock. Eastern Time is used across much of the eastern United States, including cities such as New York, Washington, Miami, Atlanta, and Boston.
Eastern Time alternates between Eastern Standard Time (EST) and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) depending on the time of year.
Eastern Time UTC Offset
- EST: UTC−5
- EDT: UTC−4
During daylight saving time, clocks move forward one hour and Eastern Time changes from EST to EDT.
Major Cities in Eastern Time
Some of the largest US cities using Eastern Time include:
- New York City, New York
- Washington, D.C.
- Miami, Florida
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Detroit, Michigan
States in the Eastern Time Zone
The Eastern Time Zone covers most of the eastern United States. Some states are entirely within Eastern Time, while others are divided between Eastern and Central Time.
States Entirely in Eastern Time
The following states observe Eastern Time throughout the state:
Washington, D.C. also observes Eastern Time.
States Partially in Eastern Time
Several states are divided between two time zones:
- Florida: Most of the state, including Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Tampa, observes Eastern Time. Parts of the western Florida Panhandle use Central Time.
- Indiana: Most of Indiana observes Eastern Time, while some counties in the northwestern and southwestern parts of the state use Central Time.
- Kentucky: The eastern portion of Kentucky observes Eastern Time, while the western part uses Central Time.
- Michigan: Most of Michigan observes Eastern Time, while a small portion of the Upper Peninsula uses Central Time.
- Tennessee: Eastern Tennessee, including Knoxville and Chattanooga, observes Eastern Time, while the middle and western parts of the state use Central Time.
Because some states cross time-zone boundaries, the local time can vary depending on the city or county.
Eastern Time Compared to Other US Time Zones
Eastern Time is:
- 1 hour ahead of Central Time
- 2 hours ahead of Mountain Time
- 3 hours ahead of Pacific Time
- 4 hours ahead of Alaska Time
- 5 or 6 hours ahead of Hawaii, depending on daylight saving time
Does Eastern Time Use Daylight Saving Time?
Most locations in the Eastern Time Zone observe daylight saving time.
During the winter, these locations use Eastern Standard Time (EST). During daylight saving time, they use Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
Some exceptions may apply in specific territories or jurisdictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is it in Eastern Time right now?
The live clock at the top of this page shows the current Eastern Time in the United States.
Is Eastern Time EST or EDT right now?
Eastern Time uses EST during standard time and EDT during daylight saving time. The current abbreviation is displayed automatically alongside the live clock.
Which US states are in the Eastern Time Zone?
Seventeen states are entirely within the Eastern Time Zone, while Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Tennessee are partially within Eastern Time. Washington, D.C. also observes Eastern Time.
Is Florida in Eastern Time?
Most of Florida uses Eastern Time. However, part of the western Florida Panhandle observes Central Time.
Is Michigan in Eastern Time?
Most of Michigan uses Eastern Time, including Detroit and most of the Lower Peninsula. A small portion of the western Upper Peninsula observes Central Time.
How many hours ahead is Eastern Time from Pacific Time?
Eastern Time is normally three hours ahead of Pacific Time.
What is Eastern Time in UTC?
Eastern Standard Time is UTC−5. Eastern Daylight Time is UTC−4.