CDT to CET Time Converter

Convert Central Daylight Time (CDT) to Central European Time (CET). Both time zones are shown live below; current offset between them is 7 hours ahead.

Chicago · Central Daylight Time
22:21:36
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
CDT · UTC-05:00
Paris · Central European Time
05:21:36
Thursday, May 7, 2026
GMT+2 · UTC+02:00

Convert a specific time

From: CDT (Chicago)
To: CET (Paris)
--:--

Daylight Saving status right now

CDT (Central Daylight Time)
Observes DST
Yes
In DST right now
Yes
Next fall back
2026-11-01
Offset shift
UTC-05:00 → UTC-06:00
CET (Central European Time)
Observes DST
Yes
In DST right now
Yes
Next fall back
2026-10-25
Offset shift
UTC+02:00 → UTC+01:00

When can CDT and CET meet?

1 hour of overlap during standard 9am-5pm working hours.
Best meeting window: 09:00–09:00 CDT (16:00–16:00 CET).

Hour-by-hour CDT to CET conversion table

CDT time (Chicago)CET time (Paris)Status
00:00 Wed07:00 WedOff-hours both sides
01:00 Wed08:00 WedOff-hours both sides
02:00 Wed09:00 WedCET working
03:00 Wed10:00 WedCET working
04:00 Wed11:00 WedCET working
05:00 Wed12:00 WedCET working
06:00 Wed13:00 WedCET working
07:00 Wed14:00 WedCET working
08:00 Wed15:00 WedCET working
09:00 Wed16:00 WedBoth at work
10:00 Wed17:00 WedCDT working
11:00 Wed18:00 WedCDT working
12:00 Wed19:00 WedCDT working
13:00 Wed20:00 WedCDT working
14:00 Wed21:00 WedCDT working
15:00 Wed22:00 WedCDT working
16:00 Wed23:00 WedCDT working
17:00 Wed00:00 ThuOff-hours both sides
18:00 Wed01:00 ThuOff-hours both sides
19:00 Wed02:00 ThuOff-hours both sides
20:00 Wed03:00 ThuOff-hours both sides
21:00 Wed04:00 ThuOff-hours both sides
22:00 Wed05:00 ThuOff-hours both sides
23:00 Wed06:00 ThuOff-hours both sides

Times computed for today in each zone using the IANA time zone database. The conversion accounts for daylight saving time wherever applicable.

About these time zones

Central Daylight Time (CDT)
IANA identifier
America/Chicago
Current UTC offset
UTC-05:00
Current abbreviation
CDT
Major cities in this zone
ChicagoHoustonDallasAustinNew Orleans
Central European Time (CET)
IANA identifier
Europe/Paris
Current UTC offset
UTC+02:00
Current abbreviation
GMT+2
Major cities in this zone
ParisLyonMarseille

Sun today in Chicago and Paris

Chicago
Sunrise
05:41
Sunset
19:55
Solar noon
12:48
Daylight
14h 13m
Paris
Sunrise
06:22
Sunset
21:14
Solar noon
13:48
Daylight
14h 52m

Related converters

CET to CDT (reverse)CDT to ESTCDT to PSTCDT to GMTCDT to UTCCDT to ISTEST to CETPST to CETGMT to CETUTC to CETIST to CET
Looking for local time? See time in Chicago or time in Paris.

Frequently asked questions

What is the time difference between CDT and CET right now?+
CET (Central European Time) is currently 7 hours ahead CDT (Central Daylight Time). The exact difference can change when one or both zones transition into or out of daylight saving time.
Does CDT or CET observe daylight saving time?+
CDT: observes daylight saving time. CET: observes daylight saving time.
When is the best time to schedule a meeting between CDT and CET?+
The strongest overlap is 09:00–09:00 CDT (16:00–16:00 CET), giving 1 hour when both sides are within standard 9am-5pm working hours.
What time is it in Paris when it is 12:00 noon in Chicago?+
When it is 12:00 Wed in Chicago (CDT), it is 19:00 Wed in Paris (CET).
Which IANA time zone identifiers are used for CDT and CET?+
CDT maps to "America/Chicago" in the IANA database. CET maps to "Europe/Paris". These identifiers are what most software libraries use to convert times accurately, including DST handling.