Time zones are related in a way that they are relevant to the Universal Time Coordinated. UTC refers to the time on the prime meridian (zero longitudes). To know this better, let’s take Phoenix as an example. Since it is in the 122nd degree of longitude west, its time zone is called the UTC-7 time zone. For Eastern Standard Time, it is consistent with UTC -5. Initially, there were 24 time zones, but Eastern Time is one of the most commonly used time zones.

Eastern Time Zone

Nine countries observe the Eastern Standard Time. Most of them switch to Daylight Saving Time, where they turn their clocks forward by 1 hour in summer. Thus, they call their time zone Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) and reach UTC -4. 

Suppose you are visiting the countries that follow Eastern Time; you have to identify if they are in Eastern Standard Time or Eastern Daylight Time to be accurate when syncing with the country’s time zone. Take note that the term Eastern Time (ET) is often used to denote the local time in areas observing either EST or EDT.

Why Eastern Time is Commonly Used

Since Eastern Time is observed in many countries, it is expected to be one of the most commonly used time zones. This easternmost time zone in the United States is also regarded as the second easternmost in Canada. Remember that Eastern Time is not static but switches between EST and EDT. 

Here are the places where Eastern Time is observed:

U.S. States (EST in the Winter and EDT in the Summer)

Connecticut

Delaware

District of Columbia

Florida

Georgia

Indiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

Tennessee

Vermont

Virginia

West Virginia

Canadian Provinces/Territories (EST in the Winter and EDT in the Summer)

Nunavut 

Ontario

Quebec

Caribbean

Caribbean Countries (EST in the Winter and EDT in the summer)

Bahamas

Haiti

EST All Year

Canadian provinces/territories (EST all year)

Nunavut (Southampton Island)

Mexican states (EST all year)

Quintana Roo

Caribbean

Caribbean countries (EST all year)

Cayman Islands

Jamaica

Central America

Central American countries (EST all year)

Panama

Time zones can be confusing sometimes, but you'll find them less challenging if you familiarize yourself with them. Eastern Time is commonly used and is observed in many countries. So if you are visiting those places, make sure you know who to adjust the time in Eastern Time.