Expressing times

Expressing time zones

Avoid using time zones unless absolutely necessary. In cases where you need to use a time zone—such as describing real events at real times—use the following guidelines:

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  Let the reader know if the time is local to their time—for example, 10 AM your local time.
  
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  If a time zone is necessary, use the timestamp format as seen in the user interface (if available).
  
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  If using a specific time zone, spell out the region and include the UTC or GMT label as a parenthetical. For example:
  
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    US and Canadian Pacific Standard Time (UTC-8)
    
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    US and Canadian Pacific Daylight Time (UTC-7)
    
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  Don't abbreviate the name of the time zone.
  
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  In the rare event where the time of an event doesn't change for daylight saving time, use the specific time zone, without reference to UTC.