Chicago, one of the largest cities in the United States, is a major hub for business, travel, and entertainment. Whether you’re visiting, scheduling a meeting, or simply curious about the local time, it’s important to know Chicago’s time zone and how it changes throughout the year.
This topic covers everything you need to know about Chicago’s time zone, daylight saving time, time differences with other cities, and how to keep track of time in Chicago.
Chicago’s Time Zone
Chicago follows Central Time (CT), which consists of:
- Central Standard Time (CST, UTC-6) from November to March.
- Central Daylight Time (CDT, UTC-5) from March to November.
This means that Chicago observes daylight saving time, where the clocks are set forward by one hour in spring and back by one hour in fall.
Does Chicago Observe Daylight Saving Time?
Yes, Chicago observes daylight saving time (DST), which means the city switches between two time zones each year:
- Standard Time (CST, UTC-6): From early November to mid-March.
- Daylight Time (CDT, UTC-5): From mid-March to early November.
When Does Daylight Saving Time Start and End in Chicago?
- Spring Forward: The second Sunday in March, clocks move forward one hour at 2:00 AM CST, switching to CDT (UTC-5).
- Fall Back: The first Sunday in November, clocks move back one hour at 2:00 AM CDT, returning to CST (UTC-6).
For example:
- If today is April, the time in Chicago follows Central Daylight Time (UTC-5).
- If today is December, the time in Chicago follows Central Standard Time (UTC-6).
Current Time in Chicago
If you’re asking, “What time is it in Chicago right now?”, the answer depends on whether daylight saving time is in effect. You can check by referring to:
- CST (UTC-6) in winter (November-March).
- CDT (UTC-5) in summer (March-November).
For the most accurate time, you can check your smartphone, computer, or a world clock.
Time Difference Between Chicago and Other Cities
Chicago’s time zone makes it easy to coordinate with many cities worldwide. Below is a comparison of Chicago’s time with other major cities:
Chicago vs. New York (USA)
- New York follows Eastern Time (ET), which is always one hour ahead of Chicago.
- When New York is in EST (UTC-5), Chicago is in CST (UTC-6).
- When New York is in EDT (UTC-4), Chicago is in CDT (UTC-5).
Chicago vs. Los Angeles (USA)
- Los Angeles follows Pacific Time (PT), which is two hours behind Chicago.
- When Chicago is in CST (UTC-6), Los Angeles is in PST (UTC-8).
- When Chicago is in CDT (UTC-5), Los Angeles is in PDT (UTC-7).
Chicago vs. London (UK)
- London follows Greenwich Mean Time (GMT, UTC+0) in winter and British Summer Time (BST, UTC+1) in summer.
- Chicago is 6 hours behind London in winter and 6 hours behind London in summer.
Chicago vs. Mexico City (Mexico)
- Mexico City follows Central Standard Time (CST, UTC-6) year-round.
- When Chicago follows CST (UTC-6) in winter, it has the same time as Mexico City.
- When Chicago follows CDT (UTC-5) in summer, it is one hour ahead of Mexico City.
Chicago vs. Sydney (Australia)
- Sydney follows Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST, UTC+10) in winter and Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT, UTC+11) in summer.
- Chicago is 16 hours behind Sydney in winter and 17 hours behind Sydney in summer.
Chicago vs. Tokyo (Japan)
- Tokyo follows Japan Standard Time (JST, UTC+9) and does not observe daylight saving time.
- Chicago is 15 hours behind Tokyo in winter and 14 hours behind Tokyo in summer.
Why Knowing Chicago’s Time Is Important
Whether you’re traveling, working, or staying in touch with family and friends, understanding Chicago’s time zone is crucial.
1. Travel and Tourism
If you are flying into or out of Chicago, knowing the local time helps you:
- Plan flight schedules and airport transfers.
- Check hotel check-in and check-out times.
- Schedule sightseeing tours and events.
2. Business and Communication
For business professionals working with Chicago-based companies, knowing the time difference can help avoid missed meetings and deadlines. Chicago’s time zone changes throughout the year, so staying updated is essential.
3. Connecting with Friends and Family
If you have friends or family in Chicago, knowing the time difference ensures you call or message them at the right time.
4. Watching Live Events
Major sporting events, concerts, and broadcasts often take place in different time zones. Knowing Chicago’s local time helps you tune in without confusion.
How to Keep Track of Time in Chicago
There are several ways to check the current time in Chicago:
1. Smartphone and Computer Clocks
Most digital devices automatically adjust based on location and time zone settings.
2. Online Time Converters
Many websites provide real-time updates on Chicago’s current time compared to other cities worldwide.
3. Smart Assistants
You can ask Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa, “What time is it in Chicago?”, and they will provide the current local time.
4. Travel Apps
Apps like World Clock, Time Buddy, and Time Zone Converter help you track different time zones, including Chicago.
Chicago operates on Central Time (CT) and follows daylight saving time (DST). This means:
- From November to March, Chicago follows Central Standard Time (CST, UTC-6).
- From March to November, Chicago follows Central Daylight Time (CDT, UTC-5).
The time in Chicago is always one hour behind New York and two hours ahead of Los Angeles. However, it may change relative to other cities depending on daylight saving time.
Keeping track of Chicago’s time is essential for travelers, business professionals, and anyone communicating with people in the city. Whether you’re scheduling meetings, planning a visit, or tuning in to live events, knowing the current time in Chicago ensures smooth coordination.