Mexico Essentials

Mexico Clock-Time Changes: Spring & Autumn 2018

Details about Mexico's clock-time changes in 2018

Clock Faces Concept

Since 1996, Mexico has been adjusting its clocks in the spring and autumn to account for Daylight Saving Time (DST).

This article explains the clock changes taking place in Mexico during 2018

Sonora and Quintana Roo

The Mexican states of Sonora and Quintana Roo (which includes the popular resorts of Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Isla Mujeres and Cozumel) will not observe DST in 2018.

Spring Clock Changes in Mexico 2018 (“Spring Forward”)

DST in mainland Mexico (except the states of Sonora and Quintana Roo) and Baja California Sur will start on Sunday April 1st, 2018, when the clocks will be moved forward by one hour at 2 a.m.

The state of Baja California (not to be confused with Baja California Sur) and  Mexican cities immediately bordering the US (including Juárez, Reynosa, and Matamoros) clocks move forward one hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday March 11, 2018.

Autumn Clock Changes in Mexico 2018 (“Fall Backward”)

DST in mainland Mexico (except the states of Sonora and Quintana Roo) and Baja California Sur will end on Sunday October 28th 2018, when the clocks will be moved back again by one hour at 2 a.m.

The state of Baja California (not to be confused with Baja California Sur) and Mexican cities immediately bordering the US (including Juárez, Reynosa, and Matamoros) clocks move back one hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday November 4, 2018.

Note about US & European Clock Times

Mexico’s mainland clock-time change dates are not usually synchronized with U.S. or European clock-time change dates, so if you’re traveling or scheduling appointments between Mexico, the US and Europe this spring and autumn, do make a note to double-check your times, especially as flights and other public transportation systems always operate their schedules using local time.

See also: Mexico’s Four Time Zones

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