Central Standard Time (CST)
Central Standard Time (CST) is UTC−6. It is the standard (winter) time of Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Minneapolis, New Orleans, Winnipeg; Mexico City and Central America use UTC−6 all year; in summer the same area uses CDT (UTC−5).
CST here means North American Central Standard Time, not China Standard Time.
Convert CST
Where CST is used
Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Minneapolis, New Orleans, Winnipeg; Mexico City and Central America use UTC−6 all year.
Major cities on America/Chicago
CST and daylight saving time
The next change is on 14 March 2027 at 01:59 local time: clocks go forward one hour, from CST (UTC−6) to CDT (UTC−5).
Convert CST to other time zones
CST FAQ
What is CST?
Central Standard Time (CST) is UTC−6. It is the standard (winter) time of Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Minneapolis, New Orleans, Winnipeg; Mexico City and Central America use UTC−6 all year; in summer the same area uses CDT (UTC−5).
What is the current CST time?
CST is UTC−6. The live clock on this page shows the current Central Standard Time time, updated every second.
What is the difference between CST and CDT?
CDT is one hour ahead of CST. CST is the standard time; CDT is used during daylight saving time.
Is CST the same as CT?
CT (Central Time) is the year-round name. CST is the exact name used in winter. People often write CT when they mean whichever one is in force today.
Which countries use CST?
CST is used in Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Minneapolis, New Orleans, Winnipeg; Mexico City and Central America use UTC−6 all year.
Updated 6 November 2026. Time zone data: IANA tz database.