Current Time & Time Zone in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico follows Atlantic Standard Time (AST), UTC−4, throughout the year. Unlike most of the mainland United States, Puerto Rico does not observe daylight saving time. Check the current local time below and learn how it compares with major U.S. cities.

When the mainland United States switches to daylight time in March, Puerto Rico becomes the same time as Eastern Time.

For the exact time of day call: (787) 728-9595.

What Is the Current Local Time Now in Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico Time Compared With the United States

Puerto Rico uses Atlantic Standard Time (AST) throughout the year. Because the island does not observe daylight saving time, the time difference between Puerto Rico and the mainland United States changes seasonally.

U.S. Time Zone	During Standard Time	During Daylight Saving Time
Eastern (New York, Miami, Atlanta)	Puerto Rico is 1 hour ahead	Same time
Central (Chicago, Dallas)	Puerto Rico is 2 hours ahead	Puerto Rico is 1 hour ahead
Mountain (Denver)	Puerto Rico is 3 hours ahead	Puerto Rico is 2 hours ahead
Pacific (Los Angeles, Seattle)	Puerto Rico is 4 hours ahead	Puerto Rico is 3 hours ahead

Note: These comparisons apply to locations that observe daylight saving time. Some U.S. locations, including most of Arizona and Hawaii, follow different rules.

Does Puerto Rico Observe Daylight Saving Time?

No. Puerto Rico does not observe daylight saving time. The island remains on Atlantic Standard Time (AST), UTC−4, throughout the year.

During daylight saving time in the eastern United States, Puerto Rico has the same local time as New York, Miami, and Atlanta. During standard time, Puerto Rico is one hour ahead of those cities.

Travelers visiting Puerto Rico never need to adjust their clocks for seasonal time changes while on the island.

Planning Your Visit Across Time Zones

If you're traveling to Puerto Rico from the mainland United States, remember that flight departure and arrival times are displayed in each airport's local time zone.

During the winter months, travelers arriving from the Eastern Time Zone will find Puerto Rico one hour ahead. During daylight saving time, the two locations share the same local time.

Puerto Rico's year-round time zone makes scheduling activities straightforward once you arrive. Whether you're planning a beach excursion, restaurant reservation, or family gathering, local times remain consistent throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time zone is Puerto Rico in?
Puerto Rico follows Atlantic Standard Time (AST), which is four hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC−4). The island uses this time zone throughout the year.

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Does Puerto Rico observe daylight saving time?
No. Puerto Rico does not observe daylight saving time. Unlike most of the mainland United States, the island does not change its clocks in the spring or fall.

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Is Puerto Rico on Eastern Standard Time?
No. Puerto Rico follows Atlantic Standard Time (AST), not Eastern Standard Time (EST). However, Puerto Rico and the eastern United States have the same local time during Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

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Is Puerto Rico the same time as New York?
It depends on the season. During daylight saving time, Puerto Rico and New York have the same local time. During standard time, Puerto Rico is one hour ahead of New York.

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What is the time difference between Puerto Rico and Florida?
Most of Florida, including Miami and Orlando, follows Eastern Time. Puerto Rico has the same local time during daylight saving time and is one hour ahead during standard time. Parts of the Florida Panhandle follow Central Time and have a different time difference.

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Does Puerto Rico have more than one time zone?
No. All 78 municipalities of Puerto Rico, including San Juan, Ponce, Mayagüez, Rincón, and Vieques, follow Atlantic Standard Time (AST) year-round.

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