How many hours ahead is MST compared to PST?

Mountain Standard Time is 1 hour ahead of Pacific Standard Time during winter. In summer both zones shift to MDT and PDT respectively, maintaining the same 1-hour gap. The exception is Arizona, which stays on MST (UTC−7) year-round, making it 2 hours ahead of California during summer.

What is the time difference between Los Angeles and Denver?

Los Angeles (Pacific Time) is 1 hour behind Denver (Mountain Time) during standard time and also 1 hour behind during daylight saving time, since both cities observe DST on the same schedule. The 1-hour gap is stable throughout the year for these two cities specifically.

What is the time difference between Los Angeles and Phoenix?

Los Angeles and Phoenix are in the same time zone (Pacific and Mountain Standard Time respectively) during winter months — both at UTC−7/−8 producing a 1-hour gap. But during summer, California moves to PDT (UTC−7) while Arizona stays at MST (UTC−7), creating a 0-hour difference. This anomaly catches many travelers off guard.

PST vs MST: Time Difference and Conversion

January 31, 2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours ahead is MST compared to PST?: Mountain Standard Time is 1 hour ahead of Pacific Standard Time during winter. In summer both zones shift to MDT and PDT respectively, maintaining the same 1-hour gap. The exception is Arizona, which stays on MST (UTC−7) year-round, making it 2 hours ahead of California during summer.
What is the time difference between Los Angeles and Denver?: Los Angeles (Pacific Time) is 1 hour behind Denver (Mountain Time) during standard time and also 1 hour behind during daylight saving time, since both cities observe DST on the same schedule. The 1-hour gap is stable throughout the year for these two cities specifically.
What is the time difference between Los Angeles and Phoenix?: Los Angeles and Phoenix are in the same time zone (Pacific and Mountain Standard Time respectively) during winter months — both at UTC−7/−8 producing a 1-hour gap. But during summer, California moves to PDT (UTC−7) while Arizona stays at MST (UTC−7), creating a 0-hour difference. This anomaly catches many travelers off guard.