Idaho local data guide

Time Zone of Boise, Idaho

Boise, Idaho, is located in the Mountain Time Zone and observes both Mountain Standard Time (MST) and Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) in accordance with daylight saving time practices.

Updated with grounded research as of 2026-08-21.

The short answer

Boise, Idaho, operates within the Mountain Time Zone. The city observes both Mountain Standard Time (MST), which is UTC-7, and Mountain Daylight Time (MDT), which is UTC-6, depending on the time of year.

Key facts

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

Mountain Time Zone Overview

Boise is situated firmly within the Mountain Time Zone. This is the same time zone used by states such as Colorado, Montana, and Utah, facilitating standardized business hours across much of the Intermountain West.

Daylight Saving Time Practices

Like most of the United States, Boise observes daylight saving time. The city transitions to Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) in the spring and reverts to Mountain Standard Time (MST) in the fall. This seasonal shift ensures that daylight hours are better aligned with typical waking and business hours during the summer months.

Regional Considerations for Idaho

It is important to note that Idaho is split between two time zones. While Boise and the southern region of the state operate on Mountain Time, the northern part of Idaho, specifically the Panhandle region, observes Pacific Time. This geographical split is a critical detail for residents conducting business or coordinating travel across different parts of the state.

Common questions

Does all of Idaho operate on Mountain Time?

No. While the majority of Idaho, including Boise, is in the Mountain Time Zone, the Idaho Panhandle (north of the Salmon River) observes Pacific Time.

When does Idaho observe daylight saving time?

Idaho observes daylight saving time according to federal standards, generally starting on the second Sunday of March and ending on the first Sunday of November.

Related Idaho questions

  • What is the time difference between Boise and Pacific Time zones?
  • Which Idaho counties are in the Pacific Time Zone?
  • Do all parts of the U.S. observe daylight saving time?

Sources and verification