What Time Is It Right Now in Atlanta, Georgia, USA?

If you’re asking “What is the time now in Atlanta, Georgia, USA?”, the key thing to know is that Atlanta follows Eastern Time. That means the local time in Atlanta depends on whether it’s Standard Time or Daylight Saving Time.

Because time changes every second and I can’t access live data, I can’t display the current exact clock time for you. But this guide explains how Atlanta time works, how to figure out the exact time quickly, and what that means if you’re living in, visiting, or contacting someone in Atlanta.

Atlanta’s Time Zone: Eastern Time (ET)

Atlanta is in the Eastern Time Zone, the same as:

• New York City
• Washington, D.C.
• Miami
• Most of the East Coast of the United States

You’ll see Atlanta’s time written as:

• EST – Eastern Standard Time (in the fall and winter)
• EDT – Eastern Daylight Time (in the spring and summer)
• ET – General shorthand that covers both EST and EDT

Does Atlanta Use Daylight Saving Time?

Yes. Atlanta observes Daylight Saving Time (DST), in line with most of the United States.

When the time changes in Atlanta

• Second Sunday in March

  • At 2:00 a.m., the clock moves forward to 3:00 a.m.
  • Atlanta switches from EST (UTC-5) to EDT (UTC-4)
  • This is often called “spring forward.”

• First Sunday in November

  • At 2:00 a.m., the clock moves back to 1:00 a.m.
  • Atlanta switches from EDT (UTC-4) back to EST (UTC-5)
  • This is often called “fall back.”

If you’re traveling to or from Atlanta around these dates, build in a little extra time for early flights, events, or meetings.

Atlanta Time vs. Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)

If you’re comparing Atlanta to world time or scheduling across countries, it helps to know Atlanta’s UTC offset.

So, depending on the time of year:

• Atlanta is either UTC−5 or UTC−4.
• Many global clocks and online tools will show this automatically if you choose “Atlanta” or “America/New_York” as the time zone.

How to Check the Exact Current Time in Atlanta

Even though I can’t give the live time, you can easily get the accurate current time in Atlanta using these options:

1. Your smartphone or computer

Most devices can automatically detect or set Atlanta time:

• On a phone:

  • Go to your Date & Time settings.
  • Set time zone to “Eastern Time (US & Canada)” or search for Atlanta.
  • Enable “Set automatically” if you’re physically in Atlanta.

• On a computer:

  • In system settings, choose the time zone US/Eastern or Eastern Time.
  • Many systems list cities; pick Atlanta if available.

2. World clock / time apps

You can add a dedicated Atlanta clock in many clock or calendar apps:

• Open your Clock or World Clock app.
• Add a city and search for “Atlanta”.
• This is useful if you live in another time zone but frequently work with people or businesses in Atlanta.

3. Landline or cable box

If you’re in Atlanta:

• Many cable boxes, smart TVs, and internet routers automatically sync to the local time zone.
• Local phone time services or landline displays may also show Atlanta’s correct time.

Atlanta Time and Business Hours

If you’re trying to call or visit somewhere in Atlanta, you need to know how local time connects to typical business hours.

Most Atlanta businesses operate on:

• Standard weekday hours: roughly 8:00 or 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. ET
• Government offices: usually Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET

Some key Atlanta-area public services that follow local Eastern Time hours include:

• City of Atlanta offices

  • Atlanta City Hall
  • 55 Trinity Ave SW
  • Atlanta, GA 30303
  • General business hours are typically daytime, Monday–Friday.

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

  • 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • Flights, security, and services follow Atlanta local time for arrivals and departures.

• MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority)

  • Headquarters: 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
  • Rail and bus schedules are posted in local Atlanta time.

If you’re calling from another state or country, always convert your time to Eastern Time before contacting an Atlanta office.

Time Differences Between Atlanta and Other Places

If you’re coordinating with friends, family, or work across the U.S. or globally, these common differences help:

Within the United States

When Atlanta is on Eastern Time (both EST and EDT), then:

• Central Time (CT) – e.g., Chicago, Dallas

  • Usually 1 hour behind Atlanta

• Mountain Time (MT) – e.g., Denver

  • Usually 2 hours behind Atlanta

• Pacific Time (PT) – e.g., Los Angeles, Seattle

  • Usually 3 hours behind Atlanta

If you’re scheduling a video call or meeting with Atlanta from another U.S. time zone, keep that offset in mind.

International time comparisons (general guidance)

Depending on the time of year and whether both locations use Daylight Saving Time:

• London is typically 5 hours ahead of Atlanta when both areas are on standard time, and the offset can shift slightly during time change transitions.
• Tokyo is usually 13–14 hours ahead of Atlanta, depending on the season.
• Sydney is often 14–16 hours ahead, depending on both regions’ daylight saving policies.

For accuracy, use a world clock tool and select Atlanta as one of the cities.

Traveling To or From Atlanta: Why Local Time Matters

If you’re visiting Atlanta, understanding local time helps you:

• Catch flights on time at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Make it to events, games, or concerts at:
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  • State Farm Arena
  • Fox Theatre
• Time your arrivals at local offices or attractions like:
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca-Cola
  • Atlanta BeltLine businesses and restaurants

Most tickets, reservations, and schedules will say “All times local” or simply list times without noting the time zone—these are Atlanta local times in Eastern Time.

Tips for Managing Time in Atlanta ⏰

Here are practical ways to stay on track with time in Atlanta:

• Enable automatic time updates on your phone so it adjusts to Eastern Time when you arrive in Atlanta.
• If you work remotely with Atlanta-based teams, add Atlanta to your world clock and label it clearly.
• During Daylight Saving Time changes (March and November), double-check:
  • Morning flights
  • Early appointments
  • Daylight-dependent plans (like outdoor events or photography).
• When booking travel, note whether your departure or arrival time is shown in local origin time, local destination time, or both.

Quick Reference: Key Facts About Atlanta’s Local Time

• City: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
• Time Zone: Eastern Time (ET)
• Standard Time: Eastern Standard Time (EST), typically UTC−5
• Daylight Saving Time: Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), typically UTC−4
• DST Observed: Yes – clocks change in March and November
• Used For: All local activities, government offices, airports, public transit, and events in the Atlanta area

To know the exact current time right now in Atlanta, check:

• Your phone or computer set to Eastern Time / Atlanta
• A world clock app with Atlanta added as a city
• Local devices (cable box, smart TV, or other network-connected clocks) if you’re physically in the Atlanta area.