If you've ever tried to schedule a Zoom call with someone in Arizona, you've probably felt that specific, low-grade headache that comes from trying to do "time zone math." You check your calendar. You check your phone. Then you realize that, once again, Arizona is doing its own thing. Honestly, figuring out what is the time in Scottsdale is less about looking at a clock and more about understanding a decades-old rebellion against Daylight Saving Time.
Right now, as of Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Scottsdale is on Mountain Standard Time (MST). Because it’s winter, Scottsdale is currently two hours behind New York (EST) and one hour ahead of Los Angeles (PST).
But wait. That changes. Not because Scottsdale moves its clocks—it never does—but because everyone else around it refuses to sit still.
The No-Shift Rule: Why Scottsdale Stays Put
Arizona is one of the only states in the U.S. that doesn't participate in the "spring forward, fall back" ritual. This isn't just a quirk; it's a way of life. Back in the late 1960s, the state basically looked at the blistering 115-degree summer heat and decided that having an extra hour of blazing sun in the evening was the last thing anyone needed.
So, while the rest of the country is fumbling with their microwave clocks twice a year, Scottsdale stays exactly where it is at UTC-7.
The "Time Chameleon" Effect
Because Scottsdale doesn't move, its relationship with other cities shifts constantly. This is where people get tripped up.
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In the winter months (roughly November to March), Scottsdale aligns with Denver and Salt Lake City. They’re all on Mountain Standard Time. You can drive from Scottsdale to Colorado without touching your watch.
Then comes March. The rest of the Mountain Time Zone "springs forward" into Mountain Daylight Time (MDT). Scottsdale stays behind. Suddenly, for the next eight months, Scottsdale is effectively on the same time as California and Las Vegas.
If you are trying to find what is the time in Scottsdale during the summer, just look at what time it is in Los Angeles. They’ll be the same. It’s confusing, sure, but it’s actually kind of nice for locals who never have to deal with "jet lag" in their own living rooms.
Navigating the Seasons in Scottsdale
Time in the desert isn't just about the numbers on a digital screen. It’s about the light. In January, the sun sets around 5:41 PM. This is prime "patio weather" time. If you’re visiting right now, you’ve basically hit the jackpot. While the Midwest is shoveling snow, Scottsdale is sitting at a comfortable temperature where a light jacket is all you need for a walk through Old Town.
The Sunrise Strategy
If you’re a hiker, the time of day is a safety metric. In the summer, "Scottsdale time" means being on the trail by 5:30 AM. If you start at 8:00 AM, you’re already too late. The sun here doesn't play around.
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- Winter (Current): Sunrise is around 7:31 AM. It’s the perfect time for a morning coffee at a spot like Cartel Roasting Co. before the shops in the Fashion Square open up.
- Spring: This is when the desert blooms. The "Golden Hour" for photography hits its peak, and since the clocks haven't shifted, you can usually catch a 6:30 PM sunset dinner without it feeling like the middle of the night.
- Summer: The sun is up before 5:30 AM. Most locals do their errands, grocery shopping, and exercise before 10:00 AM. After that, the city moves indoors until the sun dips behind the McDowell Mountains.
The Navajo Nation Exception
Just to make things a little more complicated—because why not?—not all of Arizona follows the Scottsdale rule. If you take a day trip from Scottsdale up to the Navajo Nation in Northeastern Arizona, you will actually enter a different time zone during the summer.
The Navajo Nation does observe Daylight Saving Time. They do this because their land spans across Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, and they wanted to keep their government offices on a unified schedule.
Imagine driving three hours north for a tour, crossing an invisible line, and suddenly being an hour late for your reservation. It happens to tourists every single year. If you're staying in Scottsdale, though, you don't have to worry about that unless you're heading toward the Four Corners.
Real-World Impact: Scheduling and Travel
If you’re doing business with someone in Scottsdale, you have to be the one to adapt. Most scheduling software (like Calendly or Outlook) handles this okay, but manual invites are a nightmare.
Pro-tip: Always specify "Arizona Time" or "MST" when booking. Don't just say "Mountain Time," because from March to November, "Mountain Time" usually implies Mountain Daylight Time, which is an hour ahead of Scottsdale.
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For travelers flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor (the closest major airport to Scottsdale), your boarding pass will always reflect the local time. If you land at 2:00 PM, it's 2:00 PM in Scottsdale. The plane doesn't care that your hometown is three hours ahead; it cares about the desert floor.
Living by the Desert Clock
There’s a certain rhythm to life here that defies the standard 9-to-5. In the winter, the city feels vibrant and bustling late into the evening. In the summer, the "time" that matters most is "after dark."
Places like the Desert Botanical Garden (just a short hop from Scottsdale) even host "Flashlight Tours" during the hotter months. It’s a way to see the desert life that only comes out when the sun finally gives up.
Whether you’re checking what is the time in Scottsdale to catch a flight, a tee time at TPC Scottsdale, or just to make sure you aren't waking up your grandmother with a phone call, remember that the desert operates on its own terms. It’s a place where the sun dictates the schedule, and the clocks are just there for decoration.
To keep your schedule on track, always double-check your world clock settings specifically for "Phoenix" or "Scottsdale" rather than a generic "Mountain Time" setting. If you're planning a call between the East Coast and Scottsdale during the summer, remember the three-hour gap. During the winter, it's only two.