Most of Kentucky operates on Eastern Standard Time (EST) during winter months, which is 5 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-5). During daylight saving time, observed from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, Kentucky switches to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), which is UTC-4.
The majority of Kentucky follows Eastern Time, including Louisville, Lexington, and Covington. However, western counties including Paducah observe Central Time (UTC-6/UTC-5). The Eastern/Central divide roughly follows the Tennessee River valley.
Kentucky spans two time zones. When it's 9 AM in Louisville (Eastern Time), it's 8 AM in Paducah (Central Time). The Kentucky Derby in Louisville starts at a time coordinated for both national TV audiences and local attendance.