Is Washington Asleep? Or Did They Just Invent Time Travel?
Ever tried calling your West Coast bestie and gotten only voicemail...at 10 pm your time? You might be wondering: What time is it in Washington State, anyway? Buckle up, fellow time traveler (because let's face it, different time zones feel like time travel sometimes), because we're about to unravel the mystery of the Evergreen State's schedule.
What Time Is It On Washington State |
West Coast Living: Sunshine and Early Bedtimes (Probably)
Here's the deal: Washington State is three hours behind Pacific Standard Time (PST) if you're on the East Coast rocking Eastern Standard Time (EST). That means when you're elbow-deep in emails at 3 pm EST, Washingtonians might be just starting their lunch break or, more likely judging by the chill West Coast vibe, taking a leisurely stroll on the beach.
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But wait! There's a twist! Washington observes Daylight Saving Time (DST) along with most of the country, so during the summer months, they bump it up an hour and become two hours behind EST. So, that 3 pm email check on your end might coincide with a Washingtonian enjoying a happy hour drink at 1 pm PST.
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Confused yet? We wouldn't blame you. This whole time zone business is trickier than figuring out why the remote always hides under the couch cushions.
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Mastering the Art of the Cross-Country Call
So, how do you avoid that awkward voicemail greeting when trying to reach your Washingtonian friend? Here's your cheat sheet:
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- Download a time zone converter app. There are plenty of free ones that will take the guesswork out of figuring out the time difference.
- Think in terms of meals. Generally, people on the West Coast are a few hours behind their East Coast counterparts. So, if it's dinner time for you, it's probably still afternoon snack time for them.
- Text first. A quick text to see if they're free to chat can save you the embarrassment of calling when they're catching some Zzz's.
Remember: A happy Washingtonian is a reachable Washingtonian.
Frequently Asked Time Travelers (FAQ):
- How to avoid the "wrong time zone" call blunder? Text first!
- How many time zones are there in the US? There are four time zones in the continental US (EST, CST, MST, PST) and a few more zones for Alaska and Hawaii.
- How can I impress my friends with my time zone knowledge? Casually drop the fact that Arizona and Hawaii are the only states that don't observe Daylight Saving Time.
- How do I deal with jet lag after visiting Washington? Ease into the time change by gradually adjusting your sleep schedule before and after your trip.
- How much fun can time zones really be? Surprisingly fun! They can be a great conversation starter and a reminder that the world is a big, diverse place (with different sleep schedules).