Alaska Standard Time (AKST)
AKST is UTC-9. Current Alaska Time and when AKST applies.
Alaska Time now
--:--:--
Saturday, September 19, 2026
AKDTUTC-8
Alaska Time is on AKDT right now, not AKST
Exact AKST (UTC-9) time now: --:--:--
About AKST
- Full Name
- Alaska Standard Time
- Abbreviation
- AKST
- UTC Offset
- UTC-9
- Alaska Time is on
- Daylight Time (AKDT)
- Daylight Saving Time
- Alaska Time: Ends Nov 1, 2026 · switches between AKST and AKDT
Alaska Standard Time (AKST) is UTC-9, used in most of Alaska in winter. From the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November Alaska observes Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT, UTC-8). Alaska Time is one hour behind Pacific Time.
Where AKST is used
Switches between AKST and AKDT
- Alaska, United States, except the western Aleutian Islands (Anchorage, Juneau, Fairbanks)
Major Cities in Alaska Time
Each city shows its own current abbreviation, so places on daylight saving time are labelled accordingly.
AKST vs Other Time Zones
| Comparison | By definition | Right now (local clocks) |
|---|---|---|
| AKST to AKDT | +1 hour | Same region |
| AKST to PST | +1 hour | +1 hour |
| AKST to HST | -1 hour | -2 hours |
| AKST to UTC | +9 hours | +8 hours |
“By definition” compares the fixed offsets of the abbreviations. “Right now” compares the actual local time in each region today, including daylight saving time.
AKST FAQs
What is AKST?
Alaska Standard Time (AKST) is UTC-9, used in most of Alaska in winter. From the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November Alaska observes Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT, UTC-8). Alaska Time is one hour behind Pacific Time.
What is the UTC offset of AKST?
AKST is always UTC-9. When Alaska Time observes daylight saving time, it uses AKDT (UTC-8) instead.
Is it AKST or AKDT right now?
Alaska Time is on AKDT right now, not AKST. AKDT is UTC-8, 1 hour ahead of AKST (UTC-9). Alaska Time returns to AKST on Sunday, November 1, 2026 at 2:00 AM.
When does Alaska Time switch between AKST and AKDT?
In 2026, Alaska Time switches to AKDT on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 2:00 AM (clocks go forward 1 hour) and back on Sunday, November 1, 2026 at 2:00 AM (clocks go back 1 hour).