New York Time Zone: The Complete Guide
Your complete guide to time in the city that never sleeps
Whether you're coordinating with Wall Street traders, scheduling a call with Manhattan clients, or planning to catch a Broadway show — understanding New York's time zone is essential for anyone doing business with the world's financial capital.
New York operates on Eastern Standard Time (EST) in winter and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) in summer. As the home of the NYSE, NASDAQ, and countless multinational headquarters, New York time drives global business rhythms.
But there's more to NYC time than just knowing "EST." What matters is understanding when the markets open, when you can reach your contacts, and how the city's unique 24/7 culture affects scheduling. Yes, some things really are open at 3 AM.
⚡ Quick Facts: New York Time Zone
Time Zone Details
- • Zone: EST/EDT (UTC-5)
- • Full Name: Eastern Time
- • Daylight Saving: Observed
- • DST Period: Mar → Nov
Location & Region
- • Coordinates: 40.7°N, 74.0°W
- • Region: Americas
Best Overlap Windows:
Need exact conversions? Try our Time Converter or Meeting Planner
Explore the Complete Guide
Business Hours
Banks, offices, stores, and government hours in NYC
Best Time to Visit
Month-by-month weather, crowds, and events guide
Remote Work Guide
Working with NYC teams across time zones
24 Hours in NYC
The city's daily rhythm from dawn to night
Best Time to Call
Optimal calling times from major cities worldwide
Stock Market Hours
NYSE & NASDAQ trading times for global investors
Public Holidays
Bank holidays, closures, and what to expect
Digital Nomad Guide
Coworking, cafes, WiFi, and cost of living
Time Difference
NYC time compared to London, Tokyo, Dubai, and more
Travel Planning
Flight times, jet lag tips, and arrival advice
Understanding New York Time
EST vs EDT: What's the Difference?
New York switches between two time designations: EST (Eastern Standard Time) is UTC-5, used from early November to mid-March. EDT (Eastern Daylight Time) is UTC-4, used from mid-March to early November when clocks "spring forward" one hour.
The US changes clocks on different dates than Europe — typically 2-3 weeks earlier in spring and 1 week later in fall. This creates brief periods where the usual time differences are off by an hour.
Wall Street Sets the Rhythm
The New York Stock Exchange (9:30 AM - 4:00 PM ET) is the heartbeat of global finance. Asian markets close as New York wakes up, European markets overlap in the morning, and after-hours trading extends the action. For traders worldwide, New York time isn't just a reference — it's the reference.
NYC Morning (9 AM ET)
- • London: 2 PM (winter) / 2 PM (summer)
- • Tokyo: 11 PM (same day)
- • Dubai: 6 PM
- • Los Angeles: 6 AM
NYC Evening (6 PM ET)
- • London: 11 PM (same day)
- • Tokyo: 8 AM (next day)
- • Sydney: 10 AM (next day)
- • Los Angeles: 3 PM
New York Time vs Major Cities
| City | Difference | When it's 12 PM in New York |
|---|---|---|
| 🎡 London | +5 hours | 5:00 PM |
| 🌴 Los Angeles | -3 hours | 9:00 AM |
| 🍁 Toronto | Same time | 12:00 PM |
| 🗼 Paris | +6 hours | 6:00 PM |
| 🍣 Tokyo | +14 hours | 2:00 AM (+1) |
| 🌃 Hong Kong | +13 hours | 1:00 AM (+1) |
| ⚽ São Paulo | +2 hours | 2:00 PM |
| 🏙️ Dubai | +9 hours | 9:00 PM |
* Times shown use standard time. During DST transitions, differences may vary by 1 hour. See detailed time differences →
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🚀Launch Meeting PlannerPractical Tips for Dealing with New York Time
🏢 For International Business
The golden window for US-Europe calls is 9 AM - 12 PM ET (2-5 PM London). For Asia, you'll need early morning NYC calls (7-9 AM ET) to catch Tokyo or Singaporebefore their day ends. Many global companies schedule "NYC-friendly" times knowing the city's influence.
✈️ For Travellers
Flying from Europe? You'll "gain" 5-8 hours heading west — arrive in NYC and it feels like afternoon when your body says bedtime. Stay awake until 10 PM local time to reset faster. From Asia, the jet lag is brutal (13-16 hours). Check our Jet Lag Advisor for recovery strategies.
💼 For Remote Workers
Working remotely with a NYC-based team from abroad? Europe has excellent overlap (afternoon EST = evening CET). Asia-Pacific remote workers often adopt "NYC hours" — starting late evening local time. Consider co-working spaces with 24-hour access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time difference between New York and London right now?
New York is typically 5 hours behind London. When it's 12:00 PM in New York, it's 5:00 PM in London. However, for 2-3 weeks in March and November, the difference shifts to 4 or 6 hours because the US and UK change clocks on different dates.
Is New York on EST or EDT right now?
New York uses EST (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-5) from the first Sunday of November to the second Sunday of March. During summer months, New York switches to EDT (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-4). Check the current date — if it's between March and November, New York is likely on EDT.
What time does the New York Stock Exchange open and close?
The NYSE opens at 9:30 AM and closes at 4:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. Pre-market trading starts at 4:00 AM ET, and after-hours trading runs until 8:00 PM ET. For London investors, that's 2:30 PM to 9:00 PM GMT (winter) or 2:30 PM to 9:00 PM BST (summer).
What is the best time to call New York from India?
The best time to call New York from India is between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM IST, which reaches New York during their morning business hours (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM ET). Avoid calling after 11:00 PM IST as New York offices will be closing.
How many hours behind is New York from Tokyo?
New York is 14 hours behind Tokyo during standard time (EST vs JST). When it's 9:00 AM in Tokyo, it's 7:00 PM the previous day in New York. During US daylight saving time, the difference reduces to 13 hours. Japan does not observe DST.
When do clocks change in New York in 2025?
In 2025, New York clocks spring forward to EDT on Sunday, March 9th at 2:00 AM (clocks move to 3:00 AM). Clocks fall back to EST on Sunday, November 2nd at 2:00 AM (clocks move to 1:00 AM). Note: US changes clocks 2-3 weeks before Europe.
What time zone is New York City in?
New York City is in the Eastern Time Zone. This includes EST (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-5) in winter and EDT (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-4) in summer. The Eastern Time Zone covers the entire US East Coast from Maine to Florida, plus states like Ohio and Indiana.
What are typical business hours in New York City?
Standard NYC business hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET, Monday through Friday. However, Wall Street and finance often start at 7:00-8:00 AM to catch European market close. Tech companies trend later (10 AM - 7 PM). Restaurants serve dinner from 5:30 PM, with prime time at 7:30-8:30 PM.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
This overview is just the start. Explore our detailed guides on specific topics: