CEST to CST Time Converter
Central Standard Time (CST) is currently 8 hours behind Central European Summer Time (CEST). CEST is UTC+2 and CST is UTC-6. The table below converts every hour of the day between the two, and the call planner shows where working hours line up.
Best Time for a Call
Both sides are inside 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM office hours between 5:00 PM and 5:00 PM in CEST, which is 9:00 AM to 9:00 AM in CST.
Comparing more than two places? The Overlap Zones tool shows working hours for several cities on one grid.
Hour by Hour: CEST to CST
Rows marked office hours fall between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM in both places. For a specific date, use the interactive converter.
Does the Difference Change During the Year?
CEST and CST are fixed offsets, so the difference between them never changes.
CEST is UTC+2, the summer counterpart of CET, used from late March to late October.
This page covers North American Central Standard Time, UTC-6. The region switches to CDT (UTC-5) in summer. CST can also refer to China Standard Time, which is UTC+8.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours behind is CST compared to CEST?
CST is currently 8 hours behind CEST. CEST and CST are fixed offsets, so the difference between them never changes.
What time is 9:00 AM in CEST in CST?
9:00 AM in CEST is 1:00 AM in CST.
What is the best time for a call between CEST and CST?
Both sides are inside 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM office hours between 5:00 PM and 5:00 PM in CEST, which is 9:00 AM to 9:00 AM in CST.