Yucatán May Shift Time Zone to Match Quintana Roo

Mérida, Yucatán — A new initiative under the Special State Program for Energy Wellbeing is underway: Yucatán could shift its clocks forward one hour to align with Quintana Roo’s Eastern Time (UTC−05:00). Facilitated by the Yucatán Energy Agency (AEY), the proposal emerged from the local business community and will be discussed across the state before any formal decision.

What This Means for Travelers

If approved, Yucatán would stay on Eastern Standard Time year-round—just like Quintana Roo, which abandoned daylight saving time in 2015 to extend daylight hours for tourism and reduce energy use.

For visitors, this means simpler planning: no confusing time shifts and better alignment with Cancun airport and other Caribbean destinations—perfect for early sunrise temple tours or evening beach outings.

Benefits: More Daylight, Business and Tourism Boost

Pablo Gamboa Miner, Director General of the Yucatán Energy Agency (AEY), confirmed the discussion and emphasized the need for consensus among stakeholders. “The proposal comes from the local business sector,” Gamboa Miner stated. “We must socialize the initiative with different groups in Yucatán to ensure broad support before proceeding with legal steps.”

The Secretary of Tourism Promotion for Yucatán, Darío Flota Ocampo, expressed support for the measure, citing potential benefits for the tourism industry. However, he noted that the discussion should not be limited to tourism alone. “The advantages of maximizing daylight hours extend to other productive sectors as well,” Flota Ocampo said.

Drawbacks: Circadian Disruption and Misalignment

Critics raise valid concerns: even a single-hour shift can disrupt sleep patterns and circadian rhythms. Research shows such changes can lead to increased traffic incidents and minor health risks.

Moreover, aligning with Quintana Roo may complicate scheduling with central Mexico—including Mexico City—especially during the weeks of seasonal variation when other states follow daylight saving or remain on standard time.

To become official, Yucatán’s proposal must go through Mexico’s Congress, where it would require simple-majority approval in both chambers and then publication in the Diario Oficial de la Federación.

In short: for travelers, a time shift means easier coordination and extended daylight. For locals, the change signals potential economic benefits—and a chance to experience more of Yucatán’s magic in the golden hour. But its success depends on both legislative consent and widespread public buy-in.