This guide covers what time zone Las Vegas is in, how daylight savings works there, and why the city’s unique energy, desert climate, and round-the-clock lifestyle make timekeeping especially important.

Table of Contents

Las Vegas Overview

Las Vegas is the largest city in Nevada and one of the most famous cities in the world, often dubbed “The Entertainment Capital of the World.”

Known for its iconic casinos, 24/7 entertainment, and vibrant nightlife, Las Vegas sits in the heart of the Mojave Desert and experiences hot, dry weather nearly year-round.

The city draws millions of tourists annually for its:

  • Luxurious hotels and resorts
  • Broadway-style performances and shows
  • Fine dining, shopping, and gaming
  • Landmarks like the Las Vegas Strip and replicas of global icons

What Time Zone Is Las Vegas In?

Las Vegas is in the Pacific Time Zone (PT), like most of Nevada. It has followed this time zone since the city was founded in 1905.

  • The Pacific Time Zone covers states like California, Nevada, Washington, and Oregon.
  • It also extends to parts of Canada and Mexico.

Note: A few small towns in eastern Nevada (e.g., West Wendover) observe Mountain Time instead, usually for regional convenience.

Pacific Time Explained

Pacific Time operates in two formats throughout the year:

Time Format Description UTC Offset
Pacific Standard Time (PST) Used in winter (non-DST months) UTC -8
Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) Used during daylight saving months UTC -7

Daylight Saving in Las Vegas

Las Vegas observes Daylight Saving Time (DST) along with the rest of Nevada and most of the U.S.

  • Begins: Second Sunday in March
  • Ends: First Sunday in November
  • During DST, Las Vegas follows PDT (UTC -7)
  • Outside DST, it follows PST (UTC -8)

This switch aligns with the national schedule set by the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

Cultural & Regional Time Context

Las Vegas operates around the clock, so understanding local time is key whether you’re catching a show, scheduling meetings, or just syncing your devices.

Climate

  • Hottest months: May through September, with temps well over 100°F (38°C)
  • Coldest months: December and January, but winters are generally mild
  • Las Vegas averages only about 7 inches of rain per year, making it the driest major city in the U.S.

Tourism & Economy

  • The local economy is driven by tourism, gambling, and entertainment.
  • Major attractions include:
    • The Strip
    • Fremont Street
    • Theme park rides, concerts, and luxury retail
    • World-class casinos with poker, blackjack, roulette, and slots

Beyond Gambling

  • Las Vegas is also home to museums, art galleries, and sports teams.
  • The city gained an NFL team in 2020 and has a popular NHL team.

Plan Your Trip