What is the time difference between CST and AKST?

Alaska Standard Time (AKST) is 3 hours behind Central Standard Time (CST). CST uses a UTC offset of UTC-5, while AKST uses UTC-8. For example, when it's 9:00 AM in CST, it's 6:00 AM in AKST. Note that this difference may shift by one hour during daylight saving time transitions if the two zones change on different dates. Use the conversion table above to see the exact time for each hour of the day.

How do I convert CST to AKST?

To convert CST to AKST, subtract 3 hours from the CST time. For example, 9:00 AM CST is 6:00 AM AKST, and 5:00 PM CST is 2:00 PM AKST. Keep in mind that during daylight saving time transitions, the offset between these timezones may temporarily change by one hour. You can also use the interactive converter above for quick, accurate results.

What time is it in AKST when it's noon in CST?

When it's 12:00 PM (noon) in CST, it's 9:00 AM in AKST. This is because AKST is 3 hours behind CST. Similarly, when it's 6:00 PM in CST, it's 3:00 PM in AKST. During daylight saving time transitions, these times may shift by one hour, so always verify the current offset. The color-coded conversion table above shows every hour mapped between both timezones.

How many hours behind is AKST from CST?

AKST is 3 hours behind CST. This means when it's 9:00 AM in CST, it's 6:00 AM in AKST, and when it's midnight in CST, it's 9:00 PM in AKST. The exact difference can vary by one hour during daylight saving time transitions. The conversion table above provides a complete hour-by-hour mapping.

Is AKST ahead or behind CST?

AKST is behind CST by 3 hours. Clocks in AKST show an earlier time than CST, meaning the day starts later in AKST relative to CST. For example, when it's noon in CST, it's still 9:00 AM in AKST. This gap may change by one hour during DST transitions.

Does CST observe daylight saving time?

Yes, Central Standard Time observes daylight saving time. During DST, the abbreviation changes to CDT and clocks move forward by one hour, typically in spring. Clocks then fall back in autumn, returning to standard CST time. This means the UTC offset for CST shifts between two values depending on the season. Check our DST change calendar for exact transition dates that may affect your CST to AKST conversions.

Does AKST observe daylight saving time?

Yes, Alaska Standard Time observes daylight saving time. During DST, the abbreviation changes to AKDT and clocks move forward by one hour, typically in spring. Clocks then fall back in autumn, returning to standard AKST time. This means the UTC offset for AKST shifts between two values depending on the season. Check our DST change calendar for exact transition dates that may affect your CST to AKST conversions.

What is the best time to call from CST to AKST?

The best time for a call between CST and AKST is during overlapping business hours (9 AM – 5 PM) in both timezones. To reach someone in AKST during their work day, call between 12:00 PM and 8:00 PM your CST time. Avoid calling too early or late, as the 3 hours difference means your evening could be their early morning. Check the color-coded conversion table above — green hours indicate business hours in both zones, making it easy to find the ideal time.

When does daylight saving time change in CST?

Daylight saving time transitions vary by year and region. Central Standard Time observes DST, which typically shifts clocks forward by one hour in spring ("spring forward") and back in fall ("fall back"). During these transition periods, the time difference between CST and AKST may temporarily change by one hour, which can cause confusion for scheduled meetings or calls. It's important to double-check your conversions around transition dates, especially if the two timezones switch on different dates. Check our DST change calendar for exact transition dates in the current year.

Do CST and AKST ever have the same time?

No, CST and AKST are always 3 hours apart and never display the same clock time simultaneously. Both timezones observe DST and typically transition around the same period, so the standard difference remains consistent throughout the year. The 3 hours offset is determined by their fixed positions relative to the Prime Meridian (UTC). You can always rely on this consistent difference when planning across these timezones.

CST to AKST Converter

Convert Central Standard Time to Alaska Standard Time. See the hour-by-hour conversion table below.

Timezone Details

Central Standard Time

4:55 PM

Thursday, April 2, 2026

CDT (UTC-05:00)

Alaska Standard Time

1:55 PM

Thursday, April 2, 2026

AKDT (UTC-08:00)

Difference: -3 hours

CDT DST: Yes (CDT)

AKDT DST: Yes (AKDT)

24-Hour Overview

CDT — 24-hour overview

12a12a

3a3a

6a6a

9a9a

10a

11a

12p12p

3p3p

6p6p

9p9p

10p

11p

NightMorningBusinessEvening

AKDT — 24-hour overview

9p9p

10p

11p

12a12a

3a3a

6a6a

9a9a

10a

11a

12p12p

3p3p

6p6p

NightMorningBusinessEvening

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conversions

AKST to CST CST to EST EST to CST CST to PST PST to CST CST to GMT GMT to CST CST to IST IST to CST

Cities in These Timezones

CST Cities

Chicago Houston Dallas Minneapolis

AKST Cities

Anchorage

More Tools

Compare CST & AKST Plan a Meeting (CST & AKST)See on Map

Learn More

How Time Zones Work Understanding DST Timezone Abbreviations

External Resources

Central Standard Time on Wikipedia Alaska Standard Time on Wikipedia IANA Time Zone Database