Nebraska’s Time Zones and Daylight Saving Time

Nebraska is situated in the central region of the United States and spans two time zones: the Central Time Zone (CT) and the Mountain Time Zone (MT). The state’s time zones are determined by its geographical location and its adherence to Daylight Saving Time (DST).

Key Facts

  1. Central Time Zone (CT):
    • During Standard Time, the Central Time Zone in Nebraska is GMT/UTC – 6 hours.
    • During Daylight Saving Time, the Central Time Zone in Nebraska is GMT/UTC – 5 hours.
    • The Central Time Zone is observed in counties such as Lincoln, Adams, Burt, Cass, Douglas, Lancaster, and more.
  2. Mountain Time Zone (MT):
    • During Standard Time, the Mountain Time Zone in Nebraska is GMT/UTC – 7 hours.
    • During Daylight Saving Time, the Mountain Time Zone in Nebraska is GMT/UTC – 6 hours.
    • The Mountain Time Zone is observed in counties such as Scottsbluff, Arthur, Banner, Box Butte, Cherry (west), Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Grant, Kimball, Morrill, Perkins, Sheridan, Sioux, and more.
  3. Daylight Saving Time:
    • Nebraska does utilize Daylight Saving Time.
    • Daylight Saving Time in Nebraska starts on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 2:00 AM local time.
    • Daylight Saving Time in Nebraska ends on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 2:00 AM local time.

Central Time Zone (CT)

The Central Time Zone is observed in the eastern and southeastern regions of Nebraska. During Standard Time, CT in Nebraska is six hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), denoted as UTC-6. When Daylight Saving Time is in effect, CT in Nebraska shifts to UTC-5.

Counties within Nebraska that observe Central Time include:

  • Adams
  • Burt
  • Cass
  • Douglas
  • Lancaster
  • Lincoln

Mountain Time Zone (MT)

The Mountain Time Zone is observed in the western and northwestern regions of Nebraska. During Standard Time, MT in Nebraska is seven hours behind UTC, denoted as UTC-7. When Daylight Saving Time is in effect, MT in Nebraska shifts to UTC-6.

Counties within Nebraska that observe Mountain Time include:

  • Scottsbluff
  • Arthur
  • Banner
  • Box Butte
  • Cherry (west)
  • Cheyenne
  • Dawes
  • Deuel
  • Garden
  • Grant
  • Kimball
  • Morrill
  • Perkins
  • Sheridan
  • Sioux

Daylight Saving Time (DST)

Nebraska observes Daylight Saving Time. The transition to DST begins on the second Sunday of March, at 2:00 AM local time. During DST, clocks are set forward one hour, resulting in more daylight in the evening. The transition back to Standard Time occurs on the first Sunday of November, at 2:00 AM local time.

In 2024, Daylight Saving Time in Nebraska will begin on Sunday, March 10, and end on Sunday, November 3.

Sources

FAQs

What is the time zone in Nebraska during Standard Time?

During Standard Time, Nebraska is divided into two time zones: the Central Time Zone (CT) and the Mountain Time Zone (MT). CT is UTC-6, while MT is UTC-7.

What is the time zone in Nebraska during Daylight Saving Time?

During Daylight Saving Time, Nebraska’s time zones shift one hour ahead. The Central Time Zone becomes UTC-5, and the Mountain Time Zone becomes UTC-6.

Which counties in Nebraska observe Central Time?

Counties in Nebraska that observe Central Time include Adams, Burt, Cass, Douglas, Lancaster, Lincoln, and others.

Which counties in Nebraska observe Mountain Time?

Counties in Nebraska that observe Mountain Time include Scottsbluff, Arthur, Banner, Box Butte, Cherry (west), Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Grant, Kimball, Morrill, Perkins, Sheridan, Sioux, and others.

When does Daylight Saving Time start in Nebraska?

Daylight Saving Time in Nebraska begins on the second Sunday of March at 2:00 AM local time.

When does Daylight Saving Time end in Nebraska?

Daylight Saving Time in Nebraska ends on the first Sunday of November at 2:00 AM local time.

Why does Nebraska observe Daylight Saving Time?

Nebraska observes Daylight Saving Time to make better use of daylight during the summer months, potentially saving energy and reducing the need for artificial lighting.

Are there any areas in Nebraska that do not observe Daylight Saving Time?

No, all areas in Nebraska observe Daylight Saving Time.