Idaho local data guide

Boise, Idaho Time Zone

Boise, Idaho, is located within the Mountain Time Zone, which observes Mountain Standard Time (MST) during winter months and transitions to Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) during the summer.

Updated with grounded research as of 2026-07-21.

The short answer

Boise operates in the Mountain Time Zone, which is UTC-7 during standard time and UTC-6 during daylight saving time. As of July 2026, the city is currently observing Mountain Daylight Time (MDT).

Key facts

Time Zone
Mountain Time Zone (MST/MDT)
Standard Time Offset
UTC-7 (MST)
Daylight Saving Time Offset
UTC-6 (MDT)

Regional Time Zone Distribution

Idaho is divided between two time zones. While Boise and the majority of southern Idaho reside within the Mountain Time Zone, the northern portion of the state—including cities like Coeur d'Alene and Lewiston—observes Pacific Time.

  • Mountain Time Zone: Southern and Central Idaho
  • Pacific Time Zone: Northern Idaho (Panhandle region)

Daylight Saving Time Practices

Boise observes Daylight Saving Time (DST). Clocks are moved forward one hour in the spring and back one hour in the fall. These changes are determined by federal regulations, which are currently the subject of ongoing national legislative discussions regarding potential permanent adoption of daylight saving time.

  • Spring: Clocks move forward one hour in March
  • Fall: Clocks move back one hour in November

Planning for Relocation

When coordinating with contacts in other parts of Idaho or across the country, it is helpful to verify the specific time zone of your target location. Because the state is split, professional or personal commitments involving travel to North Idaho often require a one-hour time adjustment.

  • Confirm time zones if commuting or working remotely across northern and southern Idaho.
  • Check local sunrise and sunset times, as daylight hours vary significantly throughout the year in this latitude.

Common questions

Does all of Idaho use the same time zone?

No. Idaho is split between the Mountain Time Zone and the Pacific Time Zone. The dividing line generally separates the northern panhandle from the rest of the state.

When does Daylight Saving Time end in Boise?

As of 2026, Daylight Saving Time is scheduled to end on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 2:00 a.m., at which point clocks will be set back one hour.

Related Idaho questions

  • What is the current time in Boise?
  • Which states in the U.S. use multiple time zones?

Sources and verification