What Time Zone is the Riviera Maya In?

In early 2015, the Mexican Caribbean switched from Central Standard Time to Eastern Standard Time (EST). This means that vacationers can enjoy more hours of sunshine and easy travel from the East Coast of the U.S.

What time zone is the Riviera Maya in?

If you haven’t visited the Mexican Caribbean since before February 2015, you may be surprised to find out that the region is in a new time zone. Cancun, Cozumel, and the Riviera Maya are all now in Eastern Standard Time (EST) – just like the East Coast of the United States. Why the change? In part, the new time gives beachgoers an extra hour of sunshine to enjoy. It will also reduce the energy needed for electricity use by local hotels, restaurants, and other establishments.

With the new time zone, the time in the Riviera Maya is now aligned with the time at 22 major U.S. airports – including Miami and New York. Please note that the new time zone does not affect the entire country of Mexico; destinations like Puerto Vallarta are still in Central Standard Time. What about Daylight Saving Time? Most of Mexico does observe Daylight Saving Time. Start and end dates for the next two years are as follows:

• 2017: Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 AM on April 2 and ends at 2 AM on October 29
• 2018: Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 AM on April 1 and ends at 2 AM on October 28

How will you spend your extra hour of sunshine? Stay at our all-inclusive resort, and you can linger over a margarita at the poolside bar, stroll along the beach just a little longer, or float in the pool as the sun sets. Want to know more? Please contact us today.