CST to CEST Time Converter
Central European Summer Time (CEST) is currently 8 hours ahead of Central Standard Time (CST). CST is UTC-6 and CEST is UTC+2. 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 9:00 AM and 9:00 AM in CST, which is 5:00 PM to 5:00 PM in CEST.
Comparing more than two places? The Overlap Zones tool shows working hours for several cities on one grid.
Hour by Hour: CST to CEST
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?
CST and CEST are fixed offsets, so the difference between them never changes.
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.
CEST is UTC+2, the summer counterpart of CET, used from late March to late October.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours ahead is CEST compared to CST?
CEST is currently 8 hours ahead of CST. CST and CEST are fixed offsets, so the difference between them never changes.
What time is 9:00 AM in CST in CEST?
9:00 AM in CST is 5:00 PM in CEST.
What is the best time for a call between CST and CEST?
Both sides are inside 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM office hours between 9:00 AM and 9:00 AM in CST, which is 5:00 PM to 5:00 PM in CEST.