RDS MySQL IST Timezone Setup

Purpose: Configure an RDS MySQL instance so that all queries and NOW() calls use Indian Standard Time (IST, UTC+5:30).

Steps:

1. Create a Custom DB Parameter Group

• Go to AWS RDS Console → Parameter Groups → Create Parameter Group.

• Set the following:

  • Parameter group family: Match your MySQL version (e.g., mysql8.0)
  • Type: DB Parameter Group
  • Name/Description: e.g., mydb-ist-timezone

2. Modify the time_zone Parameter

• Open the newly created parameter group.
• Search for time_zone and set its value to 'Asia/Kolkata'.
• Save the changes.

3. Attach the Parameter Group to Your DB

• Go to RDS → Databases → Your DB → Modify.
• Select the custom parameter group you created.
• Save the changes and reboot the instance for the new timezone to take effect.

4. Verify the Timezone in MySQL Run the following queries in your MySQL instance:

-- Check session/global time zone
SHOW VARIABLES LIKE 'time_zone';
 
-- Check current time (should return IST)
SELECT NOW();
 
-- Check UTC time (always returns UTC)
SELECT UTC_TIMESTAMP();

Notes:

• NOW() will return IST.
• UTC_TIMESTAMP() always returns UTC.
• system_time_zone will still show UTC because the RDS OS timezone cannot be changed.