The Time in Cancún

For travelers asking "what time is it in Cancún?", the answer is a model of consistency. Cancún, along with the entire state of Quintana Roo, operates on a single, unified time zone, simplifying schedules for this global destination.

Quintana Roo Time (EST)

Cancún's official time zone is **Eastern Standard Time (EST)**, which is permanently set at **UTC-5**. This special designation within Mexico was chosen specifically to align with the rhythms of its largest tourism markets and provide more daylight in the evenings.

No Daylight Saving Time

A crucial detail for all visitors: Cancún and the state of Quintana Roo **do not observe Daylight Saving Time**. Since 2015, the region has remained on UTC-5 year-round. This means the clocks here never "spring forward" or "fall back," offering a stable, predictable schedule.

Comparison with Mexico

This unique time zone means that for most of the year, Cancún is **one hour ahead** of other major hubs in Mexico, like Mexico City, which uses Central Time. This is a key fact for planning any domestic travel or connections within the country.

Global Time Coordination

Due to its static UTC-5 time, Cancún's relationship with other cities changes with their DST status. During the North American summer, Cancún is on the **same time** as Chicago (CDT) and **one hour behind** New York (EDT).