If you’re trying to figure out what time is it in Calabasas California right now, you’re looking at Pacific Standard Time (PST). It’s early 2026, and as of today, Friday, January 16, Calabasas is sitting exactly eight hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-8).
Most people searching this are usually trying to catch a celebrity friend on the phone or maybe they're just triple-checking a business meeting time at the Commons. It's an easy mistake to make when you're dealing with the West Coast, because our clocks are basically on a seasonal seesaw.
Why the Time in Calabasas Feels Different
Honestly, time feels a bit slower in the hills. But technically, Calabasas follows the same rules as the rest of Los Angeles. Since we are currently in January, we aren't using Daylight Saving Time yet. We are in the "winter" phase of the clock.
If you were to look at a map, Calabasas is nestled right in the Santa Monica Mountains. Because of those peaks, the sun might seem to disappear a few minutes earlier for you than it does for someone standing on the Santa Monica Pier. But your watch doesn't care about the terrain.
The Daylight Saving Shift in 2026
Keep this date on your radar: Sunday, March 8, 2026.
That is the day everything changes. At 2:00 AM, the city of Calabasas will "spring forward." We lose an hour of sleep, but we gain that golden hour of evening light that makes the 101 freeway look almost tolerable.
From March until November, the answer to "what time is it in Calabasas California" shifts from PST to PDT (Pacific Daylight Time), which is UTC-7.
Making Sense of Time Zones
If you’re calling from the East Coast, the math is simple but annoying. You are three hours ahead. When it’s lunch at the Sagebrush Cantina at noon, it’s already 3:00 PM in New York City.
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For the international crowd, here is a quick breakdown of how Calabasas aligns with the world during this Standard Time period:
- London: 8 hours ahead
- Tokyo: 17 hours ahead (they are already in tomorrow!)
- Dubai: 12 hours ahead
- Chicago: 2 hours ahead
It’s easy to get tripped up, especially since California has been debating getting rid of the clock-switching altogether. There was a whole movement with Senate Bill 51 (SB 51) trying to make "Standard Time" permanent. But for now, the twice-a-year dance continues.
Beyond the Clock: Life in the 91302
Calabasas isn't just a time zone; it’s a vibe. The name itself is a bit of a mystery. Some historians, like those at the Leonis Adobe Museum, will tell you it comes from the Spanish word calabaza, meaning pumpkin. Others swear it’s a Chumash word, calahoosa, meaning "where the wild geese fly."
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Regardless of the name, the lifestyle here revolves around the sun. If you arrive at the Las Virgenes Canyon trails too late in the afternoon during January, you'll be hiking in the dark by 5:15 PM.
The city is famously protective of its atmosphere. They were one of the first to ban secondhand smoke in public places. They take their "semi-rural" quality of life seriously. This means that while the rest of LA is rushing, Calabasas operates on a slightly more relaxed schedule, even if the digital clocks say otherwise.
Actionable Timing Tips for Visitors
- Morning Traffic: If you’re heading toward LA on the 101, "Calabasas time" means leaving before 7:00 AM. Anything later and you’re parked on the highway.
- Dining: Most spots at The Commons at Calabasas start winding down by 9:00 PM on weekdays. This isn't a "late-night" city like West Hollywood.
- The Heat Factor: During the summer months (when we are on PDT), the temperature can spike 10–15 degrees higher than Malibu, which is just over the hill. Check the time, but more importantly, check the thermometer.
Whether you're checking the time to sync a Zoom call or planning a trip to the Pumpkin Festival later this year, remember that Calabasas is currently on PST. Set your clocks to UTC-8, and you'll be right on schedule with the rest of the 818.
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Current Status Summary:
- Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST)
- Offset: UTC-8
- Next Change: March 8, 2026 (Move forward 1 hour)
- Current Season: Winter
To stay accurately synced, ensure your device's "Set Automatically" feature is toggled on, especially as the March transition approaches. If you are planning an event for later in the spring, remember to calculate using the UTC-7 offset instead of the current one.