Texas, the second-largest state in the United States, spans across two time zones: Central Time Zone (CT) and Mountain Time Zone (MT). In this article, we’ll explore the time zones in Texas, including the areas that observe daylight saving time (DST) and those that do not.
Central Time Zone (CT)
The majority of Texas, including major cities like Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin, falls within the Central Time Zone (CT). This time zone is equivalent to UTC-6 hours during standard time and UTC-5 hours during daylight saving time.
Mountain Time Zone (MT)
The westernmost part of Texas, including the cities of El Paso and Hudspeth, observes the Mountain Time Zone (MT). This time zone is equivalent to UTC-7 hours during standard time and UTC-6 hours during daylight saving time.
Daylight Saving Time (DST)
Texas observes daylight saving time (DST) in both the Central and Mountain Time Zones. DST typically begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November. During this period, clocks are set forward by one hour, and the state observes UTC-5 hours in the Central Time Zone and UTC-6 hours in the Mountain Time Zone.
Areas That Do Not Observe DST
Some areas in Texas, particularly those near the Mexican border, do not observe daylight saving time. These areas include:
– El Paso County
– Hudspeth County
– Culberson County
Texas spans across two time zones, with the majority of the state observing the Central Time Zone and the westernmost part observing the Mountain Time Zone. Understanding the time zones in Texas, including the areas that observe daylight saving time and those that do not, can help you plan your travels, schedule appointments, and stay connected with friends and family across the state.