Brazil Time Zones

Time zones help us organize our schedules and plan things with people in other places, so we’re all on the same page time-wise. In this article, we will learn about Brazil Time Zones, interesting facts and more.

How Many Time Zones In Brazil?

There are four time zones in Brazil. These time zones help people in Brazil keep their schedules organized across the country’s vast territory.

Time Zones of Brazil

1. Fernando de Noronha Time (FNT)

   It is used in the Fernando de Noronha archipelago. It is two hours behind Brasília Time (UTC-2) during standard time and one hour behind (UTC-1) during daylight saving time, which is not observed in this time zone. Other offshore Atlantic Islands are Rocas Atoll, Trindade, Saint Peter, Marium Vaz, and Saint Paul Archipelago, and are uninhabited.

2. Brasília Time (BRT)

   Major cities like Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and the capital, Brasilia, all follow BRT. It is three hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-3) during standard time and two hours behind (UTC-2) during daylight saving time, which is observed from the first Sunday in November to the third Sunday in February. Brasilia falls within the most widely used time zones in Brazil.

3. Amazon Time (AMT)

   It is used in the western part of the country, including the Amazon rainforest region. It is four hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-4) during standard time and three hours behind (UTC-3) during daylight saving time, which is not observed in this time zone.

4. Acre Time (ACT)

   It is used in the westernmost state of Acre. It is five hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-5) during standard time and four hours behind (UTC-4) during daylight saving time, which is not observed in this time zone.

Interesting Facts about Time Zones in Brazil

• Brazil had several time zones until 1975. This means there used to be more variation in time across the country- evenness of the current four zones aimed to simplify timekeeping and potentially boost national unity.
• Acre, the state way out west in Brazil, used to be in the same time zone as most of the country. But in 2013, they switched to a different time zone that matched their neighbor Peru. This was supposed to make things easier for trade and travel between the two countries. However, it also meant Acre was an hour behind the rest of Brazil, which caused some confusion and problems.

Time Difference between Brazil and Major Cities Of the USA

• Seattle (Pacific Standard Time – PST/PDT): During standard time, the time difference between Seattle and Brazil is 5 hours, and during daylight saving time, it becomes 4 hours.
• Dallas, USA (Central Time Zone, CST/CDT): Brazil is usually 3 hours ahead of Dallas. When Dallas is observing Central Standard Time (CST), Brazil is 3 hours ahead. During Daylight Saving Time (CDT), Brazil is 2 hours ahead.
• Chicago (Central Standard Time – CST/CDT): Brazil is 3 hours ahead of Chicago. During Daylight Saving Time (CDT), Brazil is 2 hours ahead.
• New York City (Eastern Standard Time – EST/EDT): Brazil is 2 hours ahead of New York City. During Daylight Saving Time (EDT), Brazil is 1 hour ahead.
• Houston, USA (Central Time Zone, CST/CDT): Brazil typically maintains a 3-hour lead over Houston. When Houston observes Central Standard Time (CST), Brazil remains 3 hours ahead. However, during Daylight Saving Time (CDT), this lead reduces to 2 hours ahead.

Related Links

• Key Facts of Brazil
• When Did Brazil Became Independent?