Are Mountain and AZ Time the Same?
Time Zones3 min readApril 1, 2026

Are Mountain and AZ Time the Same?

Are Mountain and AZ time the same? Arizona is unique — it stays on Mountain Standard Time year-round. Here's how Arizona time compares to Mountain Time and when they differ.

Marcus Webb
Geography & Time Writer

Are Mountain and AZ Time the Same?

It depends on the season:

  • Winter (Nov-Mar): Arizona = MST = UTC-7. Same as Colorado, Utah, New Mexico. ✓
  • Summer (Mar-Nov): Other Mountain states move to MDT (UTC-6). Arizona stays at UTC-7. Arizona is 1 hour behind the rest of the Mountain zone. ✗

Why Doesn't Arizona Observe DST?

Arizona opted out in 1968. The state is already extremely hot in summer — extending evening daylight would mean more hours of intense heat.

The Navajo Nation Exception

The Navajo Nation within Arizona DOES observe DST, creating a patchwork within the state.

Quick Answer

In winter, yes — both MST (UTC-7). In summer, no — Mountain states move to MDT (UTC-6) while Arizona stays at UTC-7.

#Arizona#Mountain Time#MST#DST