What is the difference between MSK and UTC?
Moscow is 3 hours ahead of UTC throughout the year.
UTC time
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MSK
Moscow Standard Time
24 Nov 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this area observe DST?
No, daylight saving time is not observed in Moscow or across the country.
Which major cities follow this schedule?
Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and other key cities in western Russia follow this system.
What areas share the same offset?
Several regions in western Russia share this offset, including those surrounding Moscow and areas extending toward the Volga River.
How does this compare with UTC?
The local time in Moscow remains consistently 3 hours ahead of UTC.
Why doesn't this area observe DST?
Russia abolished daylight saving time in 2014 to simplify scheduling and align the country with fixed offsets year-round.
How did this system get established?
The MSK offset was introduced during the Soviet era and later retained after the abolition of seasonal clock changes.
What are the typical work hours here?
Work hours in Moscow typically span from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, aligning with business practices across much of Europe.
What is the economic importance of this area?
Moscow serves as Russia's financial and political center, hosting major industries such as energy, technology, and finance.