Idaho Time Zone: What You Need To Know

Nick Leason

-Sep 30, 2025

Idaho spans two time zones, Mountain Time and Pacific Time, creating unique considerations for residents and visitors. This guide clarifies Idaho's time zones, their locations within the state, and key implications for daily life and travel.

Key Takeaways

Idaho is split between two time zones: Mountain Time (MST/MDT) and Pacific Time (PST/PDT).
The majority of Idaho, including Boise, is in the Mountain Time Zone.
Northern Idaho, closer to Washington, operates on Pacific Time.
Daylight Saving Time (DST) is observed in both time zones from March to November.
Knowing the correct time zone is crucial for scheduling, travel, and communication in Idaho.

Introduction

Understanding time zones is essential for seamless communication, travel planning, and daily scheduling. Idaho's unique situation, split between Mountain Time (MT) and Pacific Time (PT), adds a layer of complexity. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Idaho's time zones, clarifying which areas observe MT and PT, the implications for residents and visitors, and answers to frequently asked questions. — Whitefish, Montana: Zip Code Guide

What & Why: Idaho's Dual Time Zones

What are the time zones in Idaho?

Idaho operates on two time zones: Mountain Time (MT) and Pacific Time (PT). Mountain Standard Time (MST), which is UTC-7, is observed during the winter months, and Mountain Daylight Time (MDT), UTC-6, is observed from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November. Pacific Standard Time (PST), which is UTC-8, is observed during the winter, and Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), UTC-7, is observed during the same period as MDT.

Why does Idaho have two time zones?

The division of Idaho into two time zones stems from its geographical location. The northern part of the state, influenced by its proximity to Washington and the Pacific Time Zone, operates on PT. The rest of the state, including major cities like Boise, follows MT. This division accommodates the natural alignment of sunrise and sunset times across different regions.

What are the benefits and risks of having two time zones?

Benefits:

Alignment with neighboring states: The dual time zone system allows regions in Idaho to align their schedules more closely with neighboring states, facilitating business and personal interactions.
Optimal daylight usage: Different time zones ensure that residents experience daylight hours that best match their daily routines, which can be particularly beneficial during different seasons.

Risks:

Confusion and scheduling conflicts: The presence of two time zones can lead to confusion when scheduling meetings, appointments, or travel, especially for those unfamiliar with the state's geography.
Communication challenges: Individuals and businesses operating across the time zone divide need to be mindful of the time difference to avoid miscommunications and missed deadlines.

How to Determine the Time Zone in Idaho

To accurately determine the time zone in a specific location in Idaho, consider the following guidelines:

Geographical Location: Generally, northern Idaho (north of the Salmon River) observes Pacific Time, while the rest of the state follows Mountain Time.
City Lookup: Major cities like Boise, Idaho Falls, and Pocatello are in the Mountain Time Zone. Cities such as Coeur d'Alene and Sandpoint are in the Pacific Time Zone.
County Divisions: The boundary between the time zones roughly follows county lines. Counties entirely or partially in the Pacific Time Zone include Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai, and Benewah.
Online Time Zone Maps: Use online time zone maps or tools to visually confirm the time zone for a particular city or region in Idaho.
Daylight Saving Time: Remember that both time zones observe Daylight Saving Time (DST) from March to November. During DST, clocks are advanced by one hour.

Examples & Use Cases

Scheduling a Meeting

Imagine you are in Boise (Mountain Time) and need to schedule a meeting with a colleague in Coeur d'Alene (Pacific Time). To coordinate effectively, you need to account for the one-hour time difference. If you schedule a meeting for 10:00 AM MT, your colleague in Coeur d'Alene will attend at 9:00 AM PT. — Where To Watch Broncos Games: Your Ultimate Guide

Planning Travel

When planning a road trip from Boise to Coeur d'Alene, be aware that you will cross into the Pacific Time Zone. Adjust your travel schedule accordingly to avoid arriving late or missing appointments. Set your watch back one hour when you enter the Pacific Time Zone.

Coordinating Business Operations

Businesses with offices or clients in different parts of Idaho need to synchronize their operations across the time zones. This may involve adjusting work hours, setting clear communication protocols, and using scheduling tools that account for time zone differences.

Emergency Services Dispatch

Emergency services dispatch centers must accurately track time across the two zones to ensure timely responses. Clear protocols and systems are essential to avoid delays in dispatching emergency personnel and resources. — 5.9 Kg To Pounds? Quick Conversion!

Best Practices & Common Mistakes

Best Practices

Specify Time Zones: When scheduling meetings or appointments, always specify the time zone (e.g., 2:00 PM MT or 1:00 PM PT) to avoid confusion.
Use Time Zone Converters: Utilize online time zone converters to accurately calculate time differences between locations in Idaho.
Double-Check Travel Schedules: When traveling within Idaho, double-check your flight or bus schedules, as they will reflect the local time zone of the departure and arrival locations.
Communicate Clearly: If you are communicating with someone in a different time zone, clearly state the time zone you are referring to.
Use Technology: Leverage calendar applications and scheduling tools that automatically adjust for time zone differences.

Common Mistakes

Assuming the Entire State is on One Time Zone: A common mistake is assuming that all of Idaho observes Mountain Time. Always verify the time zone for specific locations.
Forgetting Daylight Saving Time: Failing to account for Daylight Saving Time can lead to confusion, especially when scheduling events across time zones.
Not Specifying Time Zones: Simply stating a time without specifying the time zone can result in miscommunications and missed appointments.
Relying on Memory: Do not rely solely on memory for time zone calculations. Use reliable tools and resources to confirm the correct time.

FAQs

1. Which part of Idaho is in Pacific Time?

Northern Idaho, generally north of the Salmon River, observes Pacific Time. This includes cities like Coeur d'Alene and Sandpoint.

2. Is Boise in Mountain Time or Pacific Time?

Boise, the capital of Idaho, is located in the Mountain Time Zone (MT).

3. Does Idaho observe Daylight Saving Time?

Yes, both the Mountain and Pacific Time Zones in Idaho observe Daylight Saving Time (DST) from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November.

4. What is the time difference between Mountain Time and Pacific Time in Idaho?

There is a one-hour time difference between Mountain Time and Pacific Time. Pacific Time is one hour behind Mountain Time.

5. How do I know what time it is in Idaho right now?

You can use online time zone converters, world clocks, or check the time settings on your electronic devices. Be sure to specify the city or region in Idaho for accurate results.

6. Which counties in Idaho are in the Pacific Time Zone?

The counties entirely or partially in the Pacific Time Zone include Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai, and Benewah.

Conclusion with CTA

Navigating Idaho's dual time zones requires attention to detail, but with the right knowledge and tools, it's easily manageable. Whether you're scheduling a call, planning a trip, or coordinating business operations, understanding the distinction between Mountain Time and Pacific Time is key. For more information and resources on time zones, explore our related articles and tools to stay informed and connected.

Last updated: October 26, 2023, 17:35 UTC