Texas is a large state that spans two time zones: Central Time Zone (CST/CDT) and Mountain Time Zone (MST/MDT). Most of the state follows Central Time (UTC-6 during Standard Time and UTC-5 during Daylight Saving Time). However, the far western part of Texas, including cities like El Paso and Hudspeth County, follows Mountain Time (UTC-7 during Standard Time and UTC-6 during Daylight Saving Time).
Current Time in Texas
If you’re wondering what time it is in Texas right now, you need to consider whether it’s Standard Time (CST/MST) or Daylight Saving Time (CDT/MDT).
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During Standard Time (November to March):
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Central Texas follows CST (UTC-6).
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West Texas follows MST (UTC-7).
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During Daylight Saving Time (March to November):
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Central Texas shifts to CDT (UTC-5).
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West Texas shifts to MDT (UTC-6).
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Texas Cities and Their Time Zones
To better understand Texas time, here’s a breakdown of major cities and the time zones they follow:
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Central Time Zone (CST/CDT)
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Houston
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Dallas
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Austin
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San Antonio
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Fort Worth
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Corpus Christi
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Mountain Time Zone (MST/MDT)
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El Paso
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Hudspeth County
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Daylight Saving Time in Texas
Texas observes Daylight Saving Time (DST), which means that clocks are moved forward one hour in March and set back one hour in November.
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Daylight Saving Time Starts: Second Sunday in March (clocks move forward 1 hour).
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Daylight Saving Time Ends: First Sunday in November (clocks move back 1 hour).
This time change helps maximize daylight hours in the evening. However, it also means that during part of the year, Texas is one hour ahead of its usual time.
Time Difference Between Texas and Other Locations
If you’re traveling or scheduling a meeting, it’s helpful to know the time difference between Texas and other places:
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New York (Eastern Time Zone – ET): Texas is one hour behind (CST is UTC-6, while EST is UTC-5).
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California (Pacific Time Zone – PT): Texas is two hours ahead (CST is UTC-6, while PST is UTC-8).
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London (Greenwich Mean Time – GMT): Texas is 6 hours behind during Standard Time and 5 hours behind during Daylight Saving Time.
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Mexico City (Central Time Zone – CST): Texas and Mexico City are in the same time zone most of the year.
How to Check the Current Time in Texas
If you need the exact time in Texas at any moment, you can:
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Use Your Smartphone or Computer – Search ‘What time is it in Texas?’ on Google or check the world clock feature on your phone.
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Check a Time Zone Map – Websites that display real-time clocks for different locations can help.
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Ask a Virtual Assistant – Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant can provide real-time updates.
Why Texas Has Two Time Zones
Most U.S. states follow one time zone, but Texas is so large that it spans both Central and Mountain Time Zones. The reason for this divide is geographical and historical. When time zones were established, cities like El Paso were more closely connected to New Mexico and Arizona, which follow Mountain Time.
Texas Time and Travel
If you’re traveling within Texas, time zone changes might affect your schedule. If you move from El Paso to Dallas, you lose an hour. If you go in the opposite direction, you gain an hour.
For flights, bus schedules, and business meetings, it’s essential to check whether your destination is in Central or Mountain Time.
Does Texas Ever Change Its Time Zone?
There have been discussions about whether Texas should stop observing Daylight Saving Time or switch to a single time zone. However, no official changes have been made. For now, Texas will continue to follow both Central and Mountain Time, adjusting for Daylight Saving Time every year.
The current time in Texas depends on your location and whether Daylight Saving Time is in effect. Most of the state follows Central Time (CST/CDT), while far western Texas follows Mountain Time (MST/MDT). Knowing Texas time is essential for scheduling, travel, and business, so always check the local time before making plans.