Newfoundland Standard Time (NST)

Newfoundland Standard Time (NST) operates at UTC−3:30, making it one of the few time zones in the world with a half-hour offset. Sometimes simply called "Newfoundland Time," NST is used on the island of Newfoundland and the southeastern coast of Labrador. During the summer months, it shifts to Newfoundland Daylight Time (NDT, UTC−2:30) for daylight saving.

Importance and Global Use of NST

NST plays a critical role in unifying schedules across Newfoundland and parts of southeastern Labrador, supporting transportation, public services, and economic activity in these regions. Its consistent use helps coordinate ferries, flights, business hours, and broadcast schedules, which is especially important given Newfoundland's geographic separation from mainland Canada.

Internationally, NST highlights Newfoundland's unique regional identity and historical heritage, preserving its distinct time zone despite Canada's broader use of whole-hour offsets. The half-hour difference helps maintain strong cultural ties while still allowing efficient coordination with other Atlantic and North American partners, supporting trade, communications, and travel.

Where and When NST is used worldwide