Idaho local data guide

Time Zones in Idaho: A Guide for Residents and Travelers

No, Idaho does not use a single time zone. The state is divided between the Pacific Time Zone and the Mountain Time Zone, a distinction that is important for those moving to or conducting business across the state.

Updated with grounded research as of 2026-11-08.

The short answer

Idaho is split between two time zones. The northern portion of the state, known as the Idaho Panhandle, operates on Pacific Time, while the southern and eastern regions of the state observe Mountain Time. This split means that if you are traveling or coordinating schedules between cities like Coeur d'Alene and Boise, you will need to account for a one-hour time difference.

Key facts

Time Zones Observed
Idaho is divided into the Pacific Time Zone (PT) and the Mountain Time Zone (MT).
Geographic Split
The Pacific Time Zone covers the northern part of the state, including the Panhandle and the northern portion of Idaho County (north of the Salmon River). The rest of the state, including southern and eastern Idaho, observes Mountain Time.
Daylight Saving Time
Both the Pacific and Mountain Time zones in Idaho observe Daylight Saving Time (DST).

Understanding the Geographic Split

The division of time zones in Idaho is roughly determined by the Salmon River. Counties located in the northern region, often referred to as the Idaho Panhandle, are in the Pacific Time Zone. This includes Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Clearwater, Kootenai, Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce, and Shoshone counties, as well as the part of Idaho County north of the Salmon River.

Impact on Travel and Business

For those relocating to Idaho or managing business operations across the state, it is essential to remember that crossing the Salmon River often means changing your watch. While this is rarely an issue for daily local living, it is a critical detail for anyone planning cross-state trips, attending virtual meetings, or coordinating real estate transactions between the northern and southern regions of the state.

Daylight Saving Time Consistency

Despite the difference in time zones, the entire state follows the same schedule for Daylight Saving Time. Both regions transition forward and backward on the same dates, ensuring consistency across Idaho when clocks are adjusted throughout the year.

Common questions

Does the whole state of Idaho change time together?

Yes, while the state is in two different time zones, the entire state observes Daylight Saving Time, meaning both zones switch on the same dates.

Which time zone is Boise in?

Boise, located in southwestern Idaho, observes Mountain Time.

Are there parts of Idaho County in different time zones?

Yes. The boundary is defined by the Salmon River; the portion of Idaho County north of the river is in the Pacific Time Zone, while the portion south of the river is in the Mountain Time Zone.

Related Idaho questions

  • Why does Idaho have two time zones?
  • Which Idaho counties are in the Pacific Time Zone?
  • Do both time zones in Idaho observe Daylight Saving Time?

Sources and verification