CST Time Now: Central Standard Time
CST (Central Standard Time) is a fixed offset of UTC−6: it never changes for daylight saving.
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“CST” can mean more than one time zone
CST also stands for China Standard Time (UTC+8) and Cuba Standard Time (UTC−5). This page covers North American Central Standard Time, the most common meaning.
Is it CST or CDT right now?
CST / CDT daylight-saving dates
2026
2027
Clocks change at 2:00 AM local time. Dates shift by a week or so each year; these are computed live from our weekly-updated database of 160,000 locations and time zones.
CST, CDT and Central Time
CST vs other time zones right now
Tap a row for the full conversion page with a 24-hour table and the best hours to schedule across both zones.
About CST
Regions on CST switch to CDT (UTC−5) during daylight saving time.
Cities on CST right now
Convert CST to other time zones
Convert CST to major cities
Frequently asked questions
What does CST stand for?
CST stands for Central Standard Time, a UTC offset of UTC−6. CST also stands for China Standard Time (UTC+8) and Cuba Standard Time (UTC−5). This page covers North American Central Standard Time, the most common meaning.
Is CST the same as CDT?
No. CST (UTC−6) is standard (winter) time; CDT (UTC−5) is daylight (summer) time, one hour ahead. The umbrella term “Central Time” refers to whichever is in effect, so it is always safe to write Central Time when you are unsure.
When do the clocks change for CST?
In 2026, clocks go forward into CDT on Sunday, March 8 and back into CST on Sunday, November 1. The dates shift by a week or so each year; this page always shows the live, correct schedule.
What time is it in CST right now?
It is currently 2:42 PM on Thursday, August 6, 2026 in CST (UTC−6).
Where is CST used?
Central US and Canada in winter; most of Mexico year-round. Cities currently on this time include Mexico City, Chicago, Houston, Iztapalapa, Puebla.
Does CST only mean one time zone?
CST also stands for China Standard Time (UTC+8) and Cuba Standard Time (UTC−5). This page covers North American Central Standard Time, the most common meaning.
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