Table of Contents

Current Local Time in Chicago, United States

A few alternate names for Chicago are: CHI, Cekaga, Chi-ka-ko, Chi-kâ-kô, Chicago, Chicagu, Chikago, Chykaga, Cikaga, Cikago

TimeNow
Chicago

What time is it in Chicago right now?

Time now in Chicago. Check the live clock above to see the current local time in Chicago, including the time zone and UTC offset.

If you're searching for phrases like "what time is it in Chicago" or "current time in Chicago", this page keeps you up to date. We also include daylight saving time (DST) information where applicable.

General Information about Chicago

  • Official Name: United States of America
  • Common Name: United States
  • Population: 2696555
  • Timezone: America/Chicago
  • Coordinates: 41.85003, -87.65005
  • Country Code: USA
  • Continent: North America

Closest Airports to Chicago

  • 1. Chicago Meigs Airport (CGX), distance from city center: 3.62 km
  • 2. Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), distance from city center: 11.07 km
  • 3. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), distance from city center: 25.47 km

Location of Chicago

United States Country Details

  • Country: United States
  • Official Name: United States of America
  • Capital: Washington, D.C.
  • Region: Americas
  • Subregion: North America
  • Population: 340,110,988
  • Area: 9,525,067 km²
  • Languages: English
  • Currency: United States dollar ($)
  • Timezones: UTC-12:00, UTC-11:00, UTC-10:00, UTC-09:00, UTC-08:00, UTC-07:00, UTC-06:00, UTC-05:00, UTC-04:00, UTC+10:00, UTC+12:00
  • Flag: Flag of {countryDetailsInfoJson[0].name.common}

Has borders with:

  • Canada
  • Mexico

Holidays in Chicago, United States of America

Planning a short trip? Check out the Long Weekends Calendar in United States of America for 2026

  • New Year's Day - 2026-01-01
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - 2026-01-19
  • Lincoln's Birthday - 2026-02-12
  • Washington's Birthday - 2026-02-16
  • Good Friday - 2026-04-03
  • Good Friday - 2026-04-03
  • Truman Day - 2026-05-08
  • Memorial Day - 2026-05-25
  • Juneteenth National Independence Day - 2026-06-19
  • Independence Day - 2026-07-03
  • Labour Day - 2026-09-07
  • Columbus Day - 2026-10-12
  • Indigenous Peoples' Day - 2026-10-12
  • Veterans Day - 2026-11-11
  • Thanksgiving Day - 2026-11-26
  • Christmas Day - 2026-12-25

Daylight Saving Time in Chicago, United States of America

Year DST Start DST End
2025 Mar 9, 2025, 8:00 AM Nov 2, 2025, 8:00 AM
2026 Mar 8, 2026, 8:00 AM Nov 1, 2026, 8:00 AM
2027 Mar 14, 2027, 8:00 AM Nov 7, 2027, 8:00 AM
2028 Mar 12, 2028, 8:00 AM Nov 5, 2028, 8:00 AM
2029 Mar 11, 2029, 8:00 AM Nov 4, 2029, 8:00 AM
2030 Mar 10, 2030, 8:00 AM Nov 3, 2030, 8:00 AM
2031 Mar 9, 2031, 8:00 AM Nov 2, 2031, 8:00 AM
2032 Mar 14, 2032, 8:00 AM Nov 7, 2032, 8:00 AM
2033 Mar 13, 2033, 8:00 AM Nov 6, 2033, 8:00 AM
2034 Mar 12, 2034, 8:00 AM Nov 5, 2034, 8:00 AM

Time now in other cities in United States of America:

Why Accurate Local Time in Chicago Matters

Knowing the exact local time in Chicago is essential in a world where business, travel, and communication cross borders daily. From coordinating international meetings to planning airport arrivals, even a one-hour mismatch can lead to missed opportunities or costly delays.

Chicago operates within the America/Chicago time zone, aligned with Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). This alignment ensures compatibility with global financial markets, airline schedules, and digital systems that depend on precise, standardized timekeeping.

Geography, Population, and Daily Rhythm

Located at 41.85003° latitude and -87.65005° longitude, Chicago follows a solar cycle shaped by its geographic position. While official clock time is defined administratively, daylight patterns influence work schedules, commuting hours, and local routines.

With a population of approximately 2,696,555, the city’s peak activity hours typically align with standard business times, making accurate time awareness especially important for commerce and services.

Daylight Saving Time: What You Need to Know

Chicago observes Daylight Saving Time (DST), which means clocks shift seasonally. These transitions can affect meeting schedules, flight times, and automated systems.

Pro Tip: Always double-check DST transition dates when scheduling events in spring or autumn to avoid unexpected time changes.

Travel, Logistics, and Arrival Planning

For travelers, understanding local time begins the moment you land. Flight schedules, hotel check-ins, and ground transportation all depend on accurate synchronization with the city’s clock.

Airports & Transfers

Nearby airports serve as the main gateways to Chicago. Knowing the local time on arrival helps reduce jet lag and ensures smoother transfers to the city center.

Public Holidays

Public holidays in United States of America may affect business hours, transport availability, and government services.

Moon Phases & Timing

Lunar cycles influence cultural events, photography conditions, and maritime activities in and around Chicago.

Using Our City Time Tool Effectively

With thousands of cities across multiple time zones, confusion is common. Our platform answers a simple but critical question: “What time is it in Chicago right now?”

We combine real-time clocks, DST schedules, geographic data, and holiday calendars into one reliable reference point for professionals, travelers, and remote teams.

Alternate city names are supported, ensuring you can find accurate data whether you search locally or internationally.

Business, Remote Work, and Global Coordination

For businesses working across borders, understanding time differences is essential for collaboration. Bookmarking this page ensures your team always operates on the correct local time for partners in United States of America.

In summary, local time in Chicago reflects a combination of international standards, geography, and legislation. Our goal is to make that complexity simple — accurate, accessible, and always up to date.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chicago

What is the current local time in Chicago, United States of America?

The current local time in Chicago is determined by the America/Chicago time zone. You can view the live, synchronized atomic clock at the top of this page for the exact hour, minute, and second.

Does Chicago use Daylight Saving Time?

Yes, Chicago observes Daylight Saving Time (DST). Clocks are adjusted seasonally to maximize daylight. You can find the specific start and end dates for the current year in our DST transition table.

How many hours ahead or behind is Chicago?

Chicago operates on the America/Chicago zone. To calculate the difference from your location, compare the UTC offset shown on our live clock to your own local offset.

What is the best time to call someone in Chicago?

When planning a call to Chicago, keep in mind that the city is currently in the America/Chicago time zone. We recommend scheduling calls between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM local Chicago time for business communications.

What are the closest airports to Chicago?

Chicago is accessible via several nearby airports, including Chicago Meigs Airport (CGX), which is approximately 3.6 km from the city center.