Simple rule
Use PT when the audience just needs the regional timezone.
PST is Pacific Standard Time. PDT is Pacific Daylight Time. Same region, different season. That is why a “simple” Pacific time invite can still go sideways.
If you want the simple version, write PT unless the exact standard-time wording matters for compliance or a fixed schedule.
| Term | Meaning | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| PST | Pacific Standard Time | Winter months in places like Los Angeles |
| PDT | Pacific Daylight Time | Spring to fall when DST is active |
| Safer label | PT | When you want the Pacific region without the DST trivia |
Use PT when the audience just needs the regional timezone.
If someone says PST in August, confirm whether they really mean Pacific Time broadly.
For systems and stored data, America/Los_Angeles is clearer than either abbreviation.