Central Time Zone (CST/CDT)
Complete guide to Central Standard Time and Central Daylight Time
Convert Central Time to Another Timezone
About Central Time Zone
The Central Time Zone (CT) is one of the four main time zones in the continental United States. It covers a vast central region stretching from the Gulf Coast to the Canadian border, including major metropolitan areas like Chicago, Houston, Dallas, and Minneapolis. Central Time is 1 hour behind Eastern Time and 1 hour ahead of Mountain Time.
Central Standard Time (CST)
Central Standard Time (CST) is observed during the winter months and is 6 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-6). CST runs from the first Sunday in November at 2:00 AM until the second Sunday in March at 2:00 AM.
Central Daylight Time (CDT)
Central Daylight Time (CDT) is observed during the summer months and is 5 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-5). When clocks "spring forward" on the second Sunday in March, Central Time switches from CST to CDT. The zone returns to CST on the first Sunday in November when clocks "fall back."
Daylight Saving Time Schedule
- Spring Forward: Second Sunday in March at 2:00 AM → clocks move to 3:00 AM CDT
- Fall Back: First Sunday in November at 2:00 AM → clocks move back to 1:00 AM CST
- Duration: CDT is observed for approximately 8 months per year
Major Cities in Central Time Zone
The Central Time Zone includes numerous major cities across the central United States, Canada, and Mexico:
| United States | Canada & Mexico |
|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | Winnipeg, MB |
| Houston, TX | Regina, SK |
| Dallas, TX | Mexico City, MX |
| San Antonio, TX | Guadalajara, MX |
| Minneapolis, MN | |
| New Orleans, LA | |
| Milwaukee, WI | |
| St. Louis, MO |
States in Central Time Zone
The following US states observe Central Time for all or part of their territory:
- Entirely in CT: Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Wisconsin
- Partially in CT: Florida (western panhandle), Indiana (northwestern and southwestern counties), Kansas (most of state), Kentucky (western portion), Michigan (four Upper Peninsula counties), Nebraska (most of state), North Dakota (most of state), South Dakota (eastern portion), Tennessee (most of state), Texas (most of state)
Business and Commerce
Central Time plays a significant role in US business and commerce:
- Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME): Major commodity and futures trading, 8:30 AM - 1:20 PM CT
- Energy Sector: Houston is the energy capital of the US
- Agriculture & Commodities: Major grain trading occurs in Central Time
- Standard Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM CT
Other Contiguous US Time Zones
Explore the other major US time zones:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central Time Zone?
Central Time Zone is one of the four main US time zones. It uses Central Standard Time (CST, UTC-6) in winter and Central Daylight Time (CDT, UTC-5) in summer. It covers the central United States including Chicago, Dallas, and Houston.
What time zone is Chicago in?
Chicago is in the Central Time Zone. It observes CST (UTC-6) during winter months and CDT (UTC-5) during summer months. All of Illinois uses Central Time.
What is the current time in CST?
Central Time currently observes either CST (UTC-6) from November to March, or CDT (UTC-5) from March to November. Check the live clock at the top of this page for the current Central Time.
When does CST change to CDT?
CST changes to CDT on the second Sunday in March at 2:00 AM, when clocks spring forward to 3:00 AM. CDT changes back to CST on the first Sunday in November at 2:00 AM, when clocks fall back to 1:00 AM.
What is the difference between CST and CDT?
CST (Central Standard Time) is UTC-6 and is used during winter months. CDT (Central Daylight Time) is UTC-5 and is used during summer months. The difference is 1 hour, with CDT being one hour ahead of CST.
How many hours behind EST is CST?
Central Time is always 1 hour behind Eastern Time, year-round. When it's 12:00 PM EST/EDT, it's 11:00 AM CST/CDT. This difference remains constant because both zones change their clocks for DST on the same dates.
What time zone is Texas in?
Most of Texas is in the Central Time Zone, including major cities like Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin. However, El Paso and the far western portion of Texas observe Mountain Time.
Is Minnesota in Central Time?
Yes, all of Minnesota is in the Central Time Zone. Minneapolis, St. Paul, and all other Minnesota cities observe CST in winter and CDT in summer.
What states are entirely in Central Time?
States entirely in the Central Time Zone include Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin. Many other states are partially in Central Time.
Why is Central Time important for business?
Central Time is crucial for commodity trading (Chicago Mercantile Exchange), energy sector operations (Houston), and serves as a bridge between East and West Coast business hours. Many national companies use Central Time for internal operations to accommodate both coasts.