PDT vs. EDT — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on January 27, 2024
PDT (Pacific Daylight Time) is the time zone for the Pacific coast of the US during daylight saving time, 3 hours behind Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), which is the daylight saving time zone for the Eastern coast of the US.
Difference Between PDT and EDT
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Key Differences
PDT is the daylight saving time observed in the Pacific Time Zone, including states like California and Washington. EDT is the daylight saving time observed in the Eastern Time Zone, encompassing states like New York and Florida.
When daylight saving time is in effect, PDT is 7 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-7), while EDT is 4 hours behind UTC (UTC-4).
The switch to PDT usually happens in March and lasts until November, aligning with the period of daylight saving time in the US. Similarly, EDT also applies during these months, following the daylight saving schedule.
During daylight saving time, regions in PDT experience sunrise and sunset times that are later than those in EDT, due to their geographical location and time zone differences.
The time difference between PDT and EDT is consistently 3 hours, with PDT always being three hours behind EDT.
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Comparison Chart
Time Zone Region
Pacific Time Zone
Eastern Time Zone
UTC Offset
UTC-7
UTC-4
Daylight Saving Period
March to November
March to November
Geographical Area
Includes California, Washington, etc.
Includes New York, Florida, etc.
Time Difference with EDT
3 hours behind
3 hours ahead of PDT
Compare with Definitions
PDT
Observed from March to November.
We switch to PDT in March.
EDT
Daylight saving time in the Eastern Time Zone.
New York is on EDT during the summer months.
PDT
3 hours behind EDT.
When it's noon in EDT, it's 9 AM in PDT.
EDT
Includes states like New York and Florida.
Miami observes EDT during daylight saving time
PDT
Daylight saving time in the Pacific Time Zone.
Los Angeles operates on PDT during the summer.
EDT
UTC-4 time zone.
When it's 6 PM in UTC, it's 2 PM in EDT.
PDT
UTC-7 time zone.
At 12 PM UTC, it's 5 AM in PDT.
EDT
Observed from March to November.
EDT starts in the spring when we 'spring forward'.
PDT
Affects states like California and Oregon.
Seattle switches to PDT along with the rest of the Pacific Time Zone.
EDT
3 hours ahead of PDT.
When it's 9 AM in PDT, it's noon in EDT.
Common Curiosities
How do time zone changes from PDT to PST, or EDT to EST, affect travel?
Travel schedules, especially flights, may need to be adjusted during time zone changes.
Is the date for switching to PDT the same as for EDT?
Yes, the switch to daylight saving time occurs on the same date across the US.
Can a region be in PDT part of the year and in a different time zone the other part?
Yes, regions in the Pacific Time Zone switch between PDT and PST annually.
How do businesses operate across PDT and EDT time zones?
Businesses coordinate activities and meetings considering the 3-hour time difference.
Are there any health impacts associated with the switch between PDT and EDT?
The time change can affect sleep patterns and circadian rhythms temporarily.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
