Puerto Rico Time Zone and Holidays

Time Zone

The time zone in Puerto Rico is Atlantic Standard Time (AST) (EST +1; GMT -4) all year around, which means that the island does not observe Daylight Saving Time (one hour later than Eastern Standard Time (EST) from October to April, and the same as Eastern Daylight Saving Time from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October).

For the exact time of day call: (787) 728-9595.

Public Holidays

Puerto Rico observes the traditional holidays of the United States and also observes nine local public holidays. On these observed holidays, most banks and state agencies are closed. Check with the establishement for specific schedules. Below are holiday dates:

• 1st January - New Year's Day
• 6th January - Epiphany
• 11th January - Birthday of Eugenio Maria de Hostos
• Third Monday in January - Birthday of Martin Luther King
• 18th February - Birthday of Luis Munoz Marin
• Third Monday in February - Presidents' Day
• 22nd March - Emancipation Day
• Date varies from year to year - Good Friday
• Sunday after Good Friday - Easter Sunday
• Third Monday in April - Birthday of Jose de Diego
• Second Sunday in May - Mother's Day
• Last Mondayb in May - Memorial Day
• Third Sunday in June - Father's Day
• 4th July - Independence Day
• Third Monday in July - Birthday of Luis Munoz Rivera
• 25th July - Commonwealth Constitution Day
• 27th July - Birthday of Jose Celso Barbosa
• First Monday in September - Labor Day
• Second Monday in October - Columbus Day
• 11th November - Veteran's Day
• 19th November - Discovery of Puerto Rico Day Observed
• Fourth Thursday in November - Thanksgiving Day
• 24th December - Christmas Eve
• 25th December - Christmas Day
• 31 December - New Year's Eve

More details about Puerto Rican Holidays

Festivals

You will find a full calendar of events to choose from throughout the year. Every year, each town celebrates a patron saint festival. The festivities include crafts, music, food, parades and religious processions. The activities usually take place at the town plaza. In addition, festivals featuring something special about each town is celebrated, like the San Sebastian Street Festival, the Ponce Carnival, and the Aibonito Flower Festival, among many others.