How many hours is UTC ahead of AKST?
As abbreviations, AKST is always 9 hours behind of UTC: UTC is UTC+0 and AKST is UTC−9. To convert, subtract 9 hours.
Check which label you actually need: AKST (Alaska Time is on AKDT today). A time written with an abbreviation that is not in use is usually meant as the local time, so convert between the places instead: right now AKST is 8 hours behind of UTC.
When the UTC to AKST time difference changes
For most of the year AKST is 8 hours behind of UTC. From 1 November to 31 December 2026, AKST is 9 hours behind of UTC instead, because the two places change their clocks on different dates. Meetings booked by the usual gap land an hour off in those weeks.
| Dates | AKST vs UTC | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 8 March 2026 to 31 October 2026 | 8 hours behind | 238 days |
| 1 November 2026 to 31 December 2026 | 9 hours behind | 61 days |
| 1 January 2027 to 13 March 2027 | 9 hours behind | 72 days |
| 14 March 2027 to 6 November 2027 | 8 hours behind | 238 days |
| 7 November 2027 to 31 December 2027 | 9 hours behind | 55 days |
Best time for a meeting between UTC and AKST
- When AKST is 8 hours behind of UTC: no shared 09:00 to 17:00 hours; try 17:00 in UTC (09:00 in AKST).
- When AKST is 9 hours behind of UTC: no shared 09:00 to 17:00 hours; try 17:00 in UTC (08:00 in AKST).