Convert Universal Time to Pacific Standard Time in Power Automate

Working across time zones? If you’re using Microsoft Power Automate and need to convert Universal Time to Pacific Standard Time, there are two powerful methods to do it: a built-in action and a simple expression.

Method 1: Using “Convert time zone” Action

1. Edit your flow in Power Automate.
2. Add the built-in action: Convert time zone.
3. Set the inputs:
   • Base time: utcNow() or your dynamic datetime
   • Source time zone: UTC
   • Destination time zone: Pacific Standard Time
   • Format string (optional): yyyy-MM-dd HH:mm:ss

Method 2: Using convertTimeZone() Expression

If you prefer using expressions, Power Automate offers the convertTimeZone() function:

convertTimeZone(utcNow(), 'UTC', 'Pacific Standard Time')

To use a dynamic value:

convertTimeZone(triggerBody()?['Date'], 'UTC', 'Pacific Standard Time', 'yyyy-MM-dd HH:mm')

Helpful Tips

• Use “Pacific Standard Time” as the official name, not just “PST”.
• This handles Daylight Saving Time (DST) automatically.
• Always check if your datetime ends with Z – that means it’s already in UTC.
• You can also use convertFromUtc() or convertToUtc() for simpler use cases.

Conclusion

With either method, converting from Universal Time to Pacific Standard in Power Automate is quick and reliable. Use the method that best fits your flow — action for easy setup, expression for dynamic control.