Mexico’s land territory, including the Baja peninsula, straddles an area between 23.6345° North, and 102.5528° West.
To give that some time-zone perspective, its longitudinal land mass covers a distance-equivalent starting on the Pacific coast in California USA, and ending near Pensacola, Florida—thus spanning some 1,700 miles.
Mexico’s four time zones
Mexico has four time zones, two of which are exclusive to two states. The four time zones in Mexico are listed below. Click/tap on the map to link to UTC references.
- Zona Noroeste — Northeast time zone (Orange)
- Zona Pacifico — Pacific time zone (Burgundy)
- Zona Centro — Central time zone (Blue)
- Zona Sureste — Southeastern time zone (Green)
Mexico’s Time Zones by State
The table below summarizes the four time zones, and which Mexican State(s) adhere to that time zone.
Time Zone | Mexican States in this Time Zone |
North Time Zone Zona Noroeste |
Only the State of Baja California, on the Baja California peninsula. Not to be confused with the State of Baja California Sur, also part of the peninsula that is on the Pacific Time Zone |
Pacific Time Zone Zona Pacifico |
The States of: Baja California Sur, Chihuahua*, Nayarit, Sinaloa, and Sonora** |
Central Time Zone Zona Centro |
The States of: Aguascalientes, Campeche, Chihuahua* Chiapas, Coahuila de Zaragoza, Colima, Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Mexico City, Mexico State, Michoacán, Morelos, Nuevo León, Oaxaca, Puebla, Querétaro, San Luis Potosí, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Tlaxcala, Veracruz, Yucatán and Zacatecas. |
Southeastern Time Zone Zona Sureste |
Only the State of Quintana Roo |
Learn more about time and time zones in Mexico
Mexico has several time zones and most states move their clocks forward in the spring and back in the autumn.
Mexico in your inbox
Our free newsletter about Mexico brings you a monthly round-up of recently published stories and opportunities, as well as gems from our archives.
You Might Also Like
Mexico’s Long Daylight Hours and its Extraordinary Light
The decision in 2022 by Mexico’s congressional representatives to eliminate seasonal clock changes ended a practice that was never very popular...
The Practicalities of Finding a House Rental in Mexico
One of the first things to consider when you come to Mexico to live —whether part-time, full-time or for a...
Mexico Lifestyle Consulting & Relocation Planning
There are lots of good, sensible reasons for moving to Mexico, but it takes consideration, research, and a plan to...
Exchanging a Mexico Residency Visa for a Card
When you are granted a residency visa at a Mexican Consulate, you are issued with a visa sticker in your...