5 PM EST to California Time Converter
Eastern Standard Time to Pacific Time
Eastern Business Hours (9AM-5PM)
California Business Hours (9AM-5PM)
Overlapping Business Hours
Eastern Time (New York)
California Time (Los Angeles)
Save a Frequently Used Time
Your Saved Times
Common EST to California Time Conversions
Understanding EST to California Time Conversion
Converting time between Eastern Standard Time (EST) and California Time (Pacific Standard Time - PST or Pacific Daylight Time - PDT) is essential for coordinating across the United States. The continental US spans multiple time zones, with a 3-hour difference between the East and West coasts.
Time Difference
California is 3 hours behind Eastern Time. When it's 5:00 PM in New York (EST), it's 2:00 PM in Los Angeles (PST).
Daylight Saving Time Considerations
Both Eastern and Pacific time zones observe Daylight Saving Time, which means they both "spring forward" and "fall back" on the same dates. This maintains the 3-hour difference year-round.
Tips for Working Across Time Zones
Schedule Wisely
For meetings between East and West coasts, 12-2 PM EST (9-11 AM PST) is often ideal as it falls within business hours for both time zones.
Specify the Time Zone
Always clarify which time zone you're referring to when scheduling meetings or deadlines.
Use 24-hour Format
Consider using 24-hour format (e.g., 14:00 instead of 2:00 PM) to avoid AM/PM confusion.
Use Time Zone Converters
Utilize tools like this converter to ensure accurate time conversion for important events.
Common Use Cases for EST to California Time Conversion
Business Meetings
Coordinating virtual meetings between offices in New York and San Francisco requires careful time zone planning.
Travel Planning
When flying between coasts, understanding the time difference helps with scheduling flights and adjusting to new time zones.
TV & Sports Events
National broadcasts often list times in EST, requiring West Coast viewers to convert to their local time.
Remote Work
With distributed teams across the US, understanding the 5PM EST to California time conversion is essential for coordinating end-of-day meetings and deadlines.