MST is 1 hour behind CST all year. So 12:00 PM CDT = 11:00 AM MDT. (Central Time is on CDT and Mountain Time is on MDT for daylight saving time right now.)
CST to MST conversion table
| CST / CDT | MST / MDT |
|---|---|
| 12:00 AM | 11:00 PM −1 day |
| 1:00 AM | 12:00 AM |
| 2:00 AM | 1:00 AM |
| 3:00 AM | 2:00 AM |
| 4:00 AM | 3:00 AM |
| 5:00 AM | 4:00 AM |
| 6:00 AM | 5:00 AM |
| 7:00 AM | 6:00 AM |
| 8:00 AM | 7:00 AM |
| 9:00 AM | 8:00 AM |
| 10:00 AM | 9:00 AM |
| 11:00 AM | 10:00 AM |
| 12:00 PM | 11:00 AM |
| 1:00 PM | 12:00 PM |
| 2:00 PM | 1:00 PM |
| 3:00 PM | 2:00 PM |
| 4:00 PM | 3:00 PM |
| 5:00 PM | 4:00 PM |
| 6:00 PM | 5:00 PM |
| 7:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| 8:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| 9:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| 10:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
| 11:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
CST and MST difference through 2027
The gap between the two zones on each date range, including daylight saving time changes:
| Dates | Central Time | Mountain Time | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 30, 2026 – Oct 31, 2026 | CDT (UTC−5) | MDT (UTC−6) | MST 1 hour behind |
| Nov 1, 2026 – Mar 13, 2027 | CST (UTC−6) | MST (UTC−7) | MST 1 hour behind |
| Mar 14, 2027 – Nov 6, 2027 | CDT (UTC−5) | MDT (UTC−6) | MST 1 hour behind |
| Nov 7, 2027 – Dec 31, 2027 | CST (UTC−6) | MST (UTC−7) | MST 1 hour behind |
Best time to meet or call
- Working hours (9 AM–5 PM) overlap from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM CST (9:00 AM–4:00 PM MST), about 7 hours.
About Central Time (CST)
Central Time uses CST (UTC−6) in winter and CDT (UTC−5) during daylight saving time. It's used in Chicago, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, New Orleans, Minneapolis and Winnipeg.
About Mountain Time (MST)
Mountain Time uses MST (UTC−7) in winter and MDT (UTC−6) in summer. Most of Arizona stays on MST all year and does not change its clocks. It's used in Denver, Salt Lake City, Albuquerque, Boise, El Paso and Calgary.
Frequently asked questions
What time is 12 PM CST in MST?
12:00 PM CDT is 11:00 AM MDT.
How many hours ahead or behind is MST from CST?
MST is 1 hour behind CST, all year.
Does CST change for daylight saving time?
Yes. Central Time uses CST (UTC−6) in winter and CDT (UTC−5) during daylight saving time.
Does MST change for daylight saving time?
Yes. Mountain Time uses MST (UTC−7) in winter and MDT (UTC−6) in summer. Most of Arizona stays on MST all year and does not change its clocks.
What is the best time for a call between CST and MST?
Right now, working hours overlap from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM CST (9:00 AM–4:00 PM MST), about 7 hours.
Is it CST or CDT right now?
Central Time uses CST in winter and CDT from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November. The live clock on this page shows which one applies today.
More time zone conversions
Sources
Reviewed by Gurmej Singh, Founder, Divy Digital Hub · Last reviewed: Wednesday, September 30, 2026. All calculations run in your browser. Editorial policy.