What is the time difference between AKST and UTC?

Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is 8 hours ahead of Alaska Standard Time (AKST). AKST uses a UTC offset of UTC-8, while UTC uses UTC. For example, when it's 9:00 AM in AKST, it's 5:00 PM in UTC. Note that this difference may shift by one hour during daylight saving time transitions if AKST observes DST. Use the conversion table above to see the exact time for each hour of the day.

How do I convert AKST to UTC?

To convert AKST to UTC, add 8 hours to the AKST time. For example, 9:00 AM AKST is 5:00 PM UTC, and 5:00 PM AKST is 1:00 AM UTC. Keep in mind that during daylight saving time transitions, the offset between these timezones may temporarily change by one hour. You can also use the interactive converter above for quick, accurate results.

What time is it in UTC when it's noon in AKST?

When it's 12:00 PM (noon) in AKST, it's 8:00 PM in UTC. This is because UTC is 8 hours ahead of AKST. Similarly, when it's 6:00 PM in AKST, it's 2:00 AM in UTC. During daylight saving time transitions, these times may shift by one hour, so always verify the current offset. The color-coded conversion table above shows every hour mapped between both timezones.

How many hours ahead is UTC from AKST?

UTC is 8 hours ahead of AKST. This means when it's 9:00 AM in AKST, it's 5:00 PM in UTC, and when it's midnight in AKST, it's 8:00 AM in UTC. The exact difference can vary by one hour during daylight saving time transitions. The conversion table above provides a complete hour-by-hour mapping.

Is UTC ahead or behind AKST?

UTC is ahead of AKST by 8 hours. Clocks in UTC show a later time than AKST, meaning the day starts earlier in UTC relative to AKST. For example, when it's morning in AKST, it's already afternoon or evening in UTC. This gap may change by one hour during DST transitions.

Does AKST observe daylight saving time?

Yes, Alaska Standard Time observes daylight saving time. During DST, the abbreviation changes to AKDT and clocks move forward by one hour, typically in spring. Clocks then fall back in autumn, returning to standard AKST time. This means the UTC offset for AKST shifts between two values depending on the season. Check our DST change calendar for exact transition dates that may affect your AKST to UTC conversions.

Does UTC observe daylight saving time?

No, Coordinated Universal Time does not observe daylight saving time. The UTC offset of UTC remains the same year-round, which simplifies time conversions. Regions using UTC keep their clocks unchanged regardless of the season.

What is the best time to call from AKST to UTC?

The best time for a call between AKST and UTC is during overlapping business hours (9 AM – 5 PM) in both timezones. To reach someone in UTC during their work day, call between 1:00 AM and 9:00 AM your AKST time. Avoid calling too early or late, as the 8 hours difference means your evening could be their late night. Check the color-coded conversion table above — green hours indicate business hours in both zones, making it easy to find the ideal time.

When does daylight saving time change in AKST?

Daylight saving time transitions vary by year and region. Alaska Standard Time observes DST, which typically shifts clocks forward by one hour in spring ("spring forward") and back in fall ("fall back"). During these transition periods, the time difference between AKST and UTC may temporarily change by one hour, which can cause confusion for scheduled meetings or calls. It's important to double-check your conversions around transition dates, especially if the two timezones switch on different dates. Check our DST change calendar for exact transition dates in the current year.

Do AKST and UTC ever have the same time?

No, AKST and UTC never show the same time because their base UTC offsets are different. However, because AKST observes daylight saving time and UTC does not, the time difference between them changes by one hour during DST transitions. This means the gap narrows or widens depending on the season, but the two clocks never align. Always verify the current offset around DST transition dates to avoid scheduling errors.

AKST to UTC Converter

Convert Alaska Standard Time to Coordinated Universal Time. See the hour-by-hour conversion table below.

Timezone Details

Alaska Standard Time

10:42 AM

Thursday, April 2, 2026

AKDT (UTC-08:00)

UTC

6:42 PM

Thursday, April 2, 2026

UTC (UTC+00:00)

Difference: +8 hours

AKDT DST: Yes (AKDT)

24-Hour Overview

AKDT — 24-hour overview

12a12a

3a3a

6a6a

9a9a

10a

11a

12p12p

3p3p

6p6p

9p9p

10p

11p

NightMorningBusinessEvening

UTC — 24-hour overview

8a8a

10a

11a11a

12p

2p2p

5p5p

8p8p

10p

11p11p

12a

2a2a

5a5a

NightMorningBusinessEvening

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conversions

UTC to AKST

Cities in These Timezones

AKST Cities

Anchorage

More Tools

Compare AKST & UTC Plan a Meeting (AKST & UTC)See on Map

Learn More

How Time Zones Work Understanding DST Timezone Abbreviations

External Resources

Alaska Standard Time on Wikipedia Coordinated Universal Time on Wikipedia IANA Time Zone Database