What Is the Difference Between Eastern Standard Time (EST) and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)?

Learn the difference between Eastern Standard Time (EST) and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) including their UTC offsets and when they are observed.

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Eastern Time (ET) is a time zone that includes both Eastern Standard Time (EST) and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Eastern Standard Time (EST) is UTC-5, used during fall and winter. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), observed during spring and summer, is UTC-4.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is Eastern Standard Time (EST)? Eastern Standard Time (EST) is the time zone used during fall and winter months in the Eastern Time zone, with a UTC offset of minus 5 hours (UTC-5).
  2. When is Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) observed? Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) is observed during spring and summer months in the Eastern Time zone, with a UTC offset of minus 4 hours (UTC-4).
  3. Why does the Eastern Time zone switch between EST and EDT? The switch between EST and EDT occurs due to Daylight Saving Time, which moves clocks forward by one hour in spring to extend evening daylight and back in fall.