Ever tried to call someone in Phenix City and realized they’re living an hour in the future? It’s a classic Alabama headache. What is time now in Alabama might seem like a simple question with a one-word answer, but the deeper you look, the more you realize Alabama handles time a bit... differently.
Right now, if you are sitting in the state capital of Montgomery, it is 11:12 AM.
Most of the Heart of Dixie sits comfortably in the Central Time Zone. We’re talking about Birmingham, Huntsville, and Mobile. If you’re checking your watch in these spots, you’re six hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-6) during the winter months.
But Alabama has a secret.
The Phenix City Exception and Why Your GPS Might Lie
Honestly, the state line is more of a suggestion when it comes to the clock. While the law says Alabama is Central Time, several towns along the eastern border simply ignore it.
📖 Related: Why San Luis Valley Colorado is the Weirdest, Most Beautiful Place You’ve Never Been
Phenix City is the main "offender." Because it’s basically a suburb of Columbus, Georgia, almost everyone there operates on Eastern Time. They want to be on the same schedule as their jobs, their favorite Georgia restaurants, and the news stations across the river.
It’s not just Phenix City, either. You’ve got Lanett, Valley, and parts of Smiths Station that effectively live in the Eastern Time Zone. If you’re driving east on I-85 toward Georgia, your phone might flip-flop between hours three times before you even see a "Welcome to Georgia" sign.
Does Alabama still do Daylight Saving?
Yep. In 2026, we are still playing the "spring forward, fall back" game.
Even though there’s been a lot of talk in the Alabama State House about moving to permanent Daylight Saving Time, federal law hasn't cleared the path yet. So, for now, mark your calendars. On March 8, 2026, Alabamians will lose an hour of sleep as the state moves to Central Daylight Time (CDT).
👉 See also: Why Palacio da Anunciada is Lisbon's Most Underrated Luxury Escape
We won’t get that hour back until November 1, 2026.
A Quick Cheat Sheet for Alabama Time Zones
If you’re traveling through the state, here is how the timing usually breaks down:
- The Big Guys: Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile, and Huntsville are always Central Time.
- The Rebels: Phenix City and Valley are unofficially Eastern Time (one hour ahead of the rest of the state).
- The Border Gamble: If you are in Auburn or Opelika, you are technically Central, but many people keep one eye on Eastern time because they commute toward Georgia.
It’s kinda chaotic if you’re trying to catch a bus or show up for a doctor's appointment right on the edge of Russell County. Most locals just learn to ask, "Is that Central or Eastern?" before they commit to a meeting time.
Why the Time Zone Matters for Business and Travel
If you’re running a business in Birmingham and trying to call a client in Atlanta, you’re already dealin' with an hour difference. But if that client is in Phenix City? You might assume they are on your time since they have an Alabama zip code.
✨ Don't miss: Super 8 Fort Myers Florida: What to Honestly Expect Before You Book
Wrong.
You’ll end up calling them during their lunch break when you thought they were just starting their day. This "de facto" time zone shift in East Alabama is one of those quirks that makes the state unique, but it’s a nightmare for logistics.
Traveling through the state also requires some mental gymnastics. If you’re heading from the white sands of Gulf Shores up to the Tennessee Valley, you’re fine—it’s Central all the way. But the second you veer toward the Chattahoochee River, keep a close watch on your smartphone. It’ll update automatically, but your car’s dashboard clock might not, leading to a very confusing afternoon.
Actionable Steps for Navigating Alabama Time
- Manual Override: If you live near the Georgia border, go into your phone settings and turn off "Set Automatically." Manually pick either Chicago (Central) or New York (Eastern) to stop your clock from jumping back and forth while you're at home.
- The "River Rule": Generally, if you can see the Chattahoochee River, assume people are talking in Eastern Time, even if they’re standing on Alabama soil.
- Meeting Invites: When scheduling a digital meeting with anyone in Alabama, always specify the time zone (CST or EST) in the calendar invite. Don’t just say "10:00 AM."
Alabama’s relationship with the clock is a mix of federal law and local convenience. Knowing what is time now in Alabama depends entirely on which side of a specific street you’re standing on. Stay aware of the March and November shifts, and if you're in Phenix City, just go ahead and set that watch an hour ahead.