Alaska Standard Time (AKST)
AKST is UTC-9. Current Alaska Time and when AKST applies.
Alaska Time now
--:--:--
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
AKSTUTC-9
Alaska Time is on AKST right now
Exact AKST (UTC-9) time now: --:--:--
About AKST
- Full Name
- Alaska Standard Time
- Abbreviation
- AKST
- UTC Offset
- UTC-9
- Alaska Time is on
- Standard Time (AKST)
- Daylight Saving Time
- Alaska Time: Starts Mar 14, 2027 · 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 | -1 hour |
| AKST to UTC | +9 hours | +9 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 AKST right now. AKST is UTC-9. Alaska Time switches to AKDT (UTC-8) on Sunday, March 14, 2027 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).