States in the Central Time Zone

Oct 13, 2025 by pynkocean.com 58 views

Introduction

The United States is divided into six time zones: Pacific, Mountain, Central, Eastern, Alaska, and Hawaii-Aleutian. The Central Time Zone (CTZ) and the Mountain Time Zone (MTZ) are two of the most populous time zones in the country. In this article, we will explore the states that have areas that are part of the Central and Mountain Time Zones.

The Central Time Zone

The Central Time Zone is one of the most populous time zones in the United States. It covers an area of approximately 1,600,000 square miles and spans across 13 states. The CTZ is divided into two sub-zones: Central Standard Time (CST) and Central Daylight Time (CDT). CST is observed during the winter months, while CDT is observed during the summer months.

States in the Central Time Zone

The following states have areas that are part of the Central Time Zone:

Alabama: The western part of the state is in the CTZ.
Arkansas: The entire state is in the CTZ.
Illinois: The western and central parts of the state are in the CTZ.
Indiana: The western part of the state is in the CTZ.
Iowa: The entire state is in the CTZ.
Kansas: The entire state is in the CTZ.
Kentucky: The western part of the state is in the CTZ.
Louisiana: The western part of the state is in the CTZ.
Michigan: The western part of the Upper Peninsula is in the CTZ.
Minnesota: The western part of the state is in the CTZ.
Mississippi: The western part of the state is in the CTZ.
Missouri: The entire state is in the CTZ.
Nebraska: The western part of the state is in the CTZ.
North Dakota: The southwestern part of the state is in the CTZ.
Ohio: The western part of the state is in the CTZ.
Oklahoma: The entire state is in the CTZ.
South Dakota: The western part of the state is in the CTZ.
Tennessee: The western part of the state is in the CTZ.
Texas: The western part of the state is in the CTZ.
Wisconsin: The western part of the state is in the CTZ.

The Mountain Time Zone

The Mountain Time Zone is the second-most populous time zone in the United States. It covers an area of approximately 1,200,000 square miles and spans across 11 states. The MTZ is divided into two sub-zones: Mountain Standard Time (MST) and Mountain Daylight Time (MDT). MST is observed during the winter months, while MDT is observed during the summer months.

States in the Mountain Time Zone

The following states have areas that are part of the Mountain Time Zone:

Arizona: The entire state is in the MTZ, except for the Navajo Nation, which is in the UTC-7 time zone.
Colorado: The entire state is in the MTZ.
Idaho: The entire state is in the MTZ.
Montana: The entire state is in the MTZ.
Nebraska: The eastern part of the state is in the MTZ.
Nevada: The entire state is in the MTZ.
New Mexico: The entire state is in the MTZ.
North Dakota: The eastern part of the state is in the MTZ.
Oregon: The eastern part of the state is in the MTZ.
South Dakota: The eastern part of the state is in the MTZ.
Utah: The entire state is in the MTZ.
Wyoming: The entire state is in the MTZ.

Border States

Some states have areas that are part of both the Central and Mountain Time Zones. These states are:

Kansas: The western part of the state is in the CTZ, while the eastern part is in the MTZ.
Nebraska: The western part of the state is in the CTZ, while the eastern part is in the MTZ.
North Dakota: The southwestern part of the state is in the CTZ, while the eastern part is in the MTZ.
South Dakota: The western part of the state is in the CTZ, while the eastern part is in the MTZ.
Texas: The western part of the state is in the CTZ, while the eastern part is in the MTZ.
Wyoming: The western part of the state is in the MTZ, while the eastern part is in the CTZ.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Central and Mountain Time Zones cover a significant portion of the United States. The CTZ spans across 13 states, while the MTZ spans across 11 states. Some states have areas that are part of both time zones, while others have areas that are part of only one time zone. Understanding the time zones and their boundaries is essential for travelers, businesses, and individuals who need to coordinate with people across different regions.

References

United States Geological Survey: Time Zones of the United States
National Institute of Standards and Technology: Time Zones
Federal Aviation Administration: Time Zones

Additional Resources

TimeAndDate.com: Time Zones of the United States
WorldTimeServer.com: Time Zones of the United States
USAToday.com: Time Zones of the United States
Central and Mountain Time Zones Q&A =====================================

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Central Time Zone and the Mountain Time Zone?

The Central Time Zone (CTZ) and the Mountain Time Zone (MTZ) are two of the most populous time zones in the United States. The main difference between the two time zones is the time offset from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The CTZ is UTC-6, while the MTZ is UTC-7.

Which states are in the Central Time Zone?

The following states are in the Central Time Zone:

Alabama
Arkansas
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Nebraska
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Wisconsin

Which states are in the Mountain Time Zone?

The following states are in the Mountain Time Zone:

Arizona
Colorado
Idaho
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Mexico
North Dakota
Oregon
South Dakota
Utah
Wyoming

What is the time difference between the Central Time Zone and the Mountain Time Zone?

The Mountain Time Zone is one hour behind the Central Time Zone. This means that if it is 12:00 PM (noon) in the Central Time Zone, it would be 11:00 AM in the Mountain Time Zone.

Do any states have areas that are part of both the Central and Mountain Time Zones?

Yes, some states have areas that are part of both the Central and Mountain Time Zones. These states include:

Kansas
Nebraska
North Dakota
South Dakota
Texas
Wyoming

What is the purpose of daylight saving time in the Central and Mountain Time Zones?

Daylight saving time (DST) is the practice of temporarily advancing clocks during the summer months by one hour so that people can make the most of the sunlight during their waking hours. In the Central and Mountain Time Zones, DST typically begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.

How do I adjust my clock for daylight saving time?

To adjust your clock for daylight saving time, you will need to set your clock forward by one hour in the spring and set it back by one hour in the fall.

What are the benefits of daylight saving time?

The benefits of daylight saving time include:

Energy savings: By making better use of natural light, people can reduce their energy consumption.
Economic benefits: DST can boost tourism and retail sales.
Health benefits: DST can improve physical activity and reduce the risk of heart disease.

What are the drawbacks of daylight saving time?

The drawbacks of daylight saving time include:

Disruption to sleep patterns: The time change can disrupt people's sleep patterns and cause fatigue.
Confusion: The time change can cause confusion and errors.
Health problems: Some people may experience health problems, such as headaches and depression, due to the time change.

Can I opt out of daylight saving time?

Yes, some states and territories have opted out of daylight saving time. These include:

Hawaii
Arizona (except for the Navajo Nation, which does observe DST)
American Samoa
Guam
Northern Mariana Islands
Puerto Rico
United States Virgin Islands

How do I adjust my clock for standard time?

To adjust your clock for standard time, you will need to set your clock back by one hour in the fall.

What are the benefits of standard time?

The benefits of standard time include:

Simplified schedules: Standard time can simplify schedules and reduce confusion.
Better sleep: Standard time can help people get better sleep and reduce the risk of sleep disorders.
Improved health: Standard time can improve physical activity and reduce the risk of heart disease.

What are the drawbacks of standard time?

The drawbacks of standard time include:

Reduced energy savings: Standard time can reduce energy savings and increase energy consumption.
Economic drawbacks: Standard time can reduce tourism and retail sales.
Health drawbacks: Standard time can reduce physical activity and increase the risk of heart disease.

Can I adjust my clock for daylight saving time manually?

Yes, you can adjust your clock for daylight saving time manually by setting your clock forward by one hour in the spring and setting it back by one hour in the fall.

How do I adjust my clock for daylight saving time using a computer or mobile device?

To adjust your clock for daylight saving time using a computer or mobile device, you will need to follow these steps:

Go to your device's settings menu.
Select the "Date and Time" or "Time Zone" option.
Select the "Automatic" or "Manual" option.
If you select "Automatic," your device will automatically adjust for daylight saving time.
If you select "Manual," you will need to set your clock forward by one hour in the spring and set it back by one hour in the fall.

What are the time zones in the United States?

The time zones in the United States are:

Pacific Time Zone (UTC-8)
Mountain Time Zone (UTC-7)
Central Time Zone (UTC-6)
Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5)
Alaska Time Zone (UTC-9)
Hawaii-Aleutian Time Zone (UTC-10)

What are the time zones in Canada?

The time zones in Canada are:

Pacific Time Zone (UTC-8)
Mountain Time Zone (UTC-7)
Central Time Zone (UTC-6)
Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5)
Atlantic Time Zone (UTC-4)
Newfoundland Time Zone (UTC-3:30)

What are the time zones in Mexico?

The time zones in Mexico are:

Pacific Time Zone (UTC-8)
Mountain Time Zone (UTC-7)
Central Time Zone (UTC-6)
Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5)

What are the time zones in other countries?

The time zones in other countries vary depending on the country and its location. Some countries have a single time zone, while others have multiple time zones.

How do I determine my time zone?

To determine your time zone, you can use an online time zone converter or consult a map of the world's time zones.

What are the benefits of knowing your time zone?

The benefits of knowing your time zone include:

Simplified communication: Knowing your time zone can simplify communication with people in other parts of the world.
Better planning: Knowing your time zone can help you plan your schedule and avoid confusion.
Improved productivity: Knowing your time zone can help you stay productive and focused.

What are the drawbacks of not knowing your time zone?

The drawbacks of not knowing your time zone include:

Confusion: Not knowing your time zone can cause confusion and errors.
Disruption: Not knowing your time zone can disrupt your schedule and cause problems.
Missed opportunities: Not knowing your time zone can cause you to miss opportunities and connections with people in other parts of the world.

Can I change my time zone?

Yes, you can change your time zone by adjusting your clock or using a time zone converter.

How do I change my time zone?

To change your time zone, you can follow these steps:

Go to your device's settings menu.
Select the "Date and Time" or "Time Zone" option.
Select the "Automatic" or "Manual" option.
If you select "Automatic," your device will automatically adjust for the new time zone.
If you select "Manual," you will need to set your clock to the new time zone.

What are the benefits of changing your time zone?

The benefits of changing your time zone include:

Simplified communication: Changing your time zone can simplify communication with people in other parts of the world.
Better planning: Changing your time zone can help you plan your schedule and avoid confusion.
Improved productivity: Changing your time zone can help you stay productive and focused.

What are the drawbacks of changing your time zone?

The drawbacks of changing your time zone include:

Confusion: Changing your time zone can cause confusion and errors.
Disruption: Changing your time zone can disrupt your schedule and cause problems.
Missed opportunities: Changing your time zone can cause you to miss opportunities and connections with people in other parts of the world.

Can I change my time zone manually?

Yes, you can change your time zone manually by adjusting your clock or using a time zone converter.

How do I change my time zone manually?

To change your time zone manually, you can follow these steps:

Go to your device's settings menu.
Select the "Date and Time" or "Time Zone" option.
Select the "Manual" option.
Set your clock to the new time zone.

What are the benefits of changing your time zone manually?

The benefits of changing your time zone manually include:

Simplified communication: Changing your time zone manually can simplify communication with people in other parts of the world.
Better planning: Changing your time zone manually can help you plan your schedule and avoid confusion.
Improved productivity: Changing your time zone manually can help you stay productive and focused.

What are the drawbacks of changing your time zone manually?

The drawbacks of changing your time zone manually include:

Confusion: Changing your time zone manually can cause confusion and errors.
Disruption: Changing your time zone manually can disrupt your schedule and cause problems.
Missed opportunities: Changing your time zone manually can cause you to miss opportunities and connections with people in other parts of the world.

Can I change my time zone automatically?

Yes, you can change your time zone automatically by using a time zone converter or setting your device to automatically adjust for daylight saving time.

How do I change my time zone automatically?

To change your time