Highlighted rows fall within 09:00–18:00 in both places: 1 shared working hour.
How many hours is CST behind SAST?
As abbreviations, SAST is always 8 hours ahead of CST: CST is UTC−6 and SAST is UTC+2. To convert, add 8 hours.
When the CST to SAST time difference changes
For most of the year SAST is 7 hours ahead of CST. From 1 November to 31 December 2026, SAST is 8 hours ahead of CST instead, because the two places change their clocks on different dates. Meetings booked by the usual gap land an hour off in those weeks.
Dates
SAST vs CST
Length
1 November 2026 to 31 December 2026
8 hours ahead
61 days
1 January 2027 to 13 March 2027
8 hours ahead
72 days
14 March 2027 to 6 November 2027
7 hours ahead
238 days
7 November 2027 to 31 December 2027
8 hours ahead
55 days
When CST and SAST are both at work
When SAST is 7 hours ahead of CST: 1 shared office hour, 09:00 to 10:00 in CST (16:00 to 17:00 in SAST).
When SAST is 8 hours ahead of CST: no shared 09:00 to 17:00 hours; try 09:00 in CST (17:00 in SAST).
Frequently asked questions about CST and SAST time
How many hours ahead is SAST of CST?
SAST (UTC+2) is 8 hours ahead of CST (UTC−6).
Does the time difference between CST and SAST change?
Yes. It is usually 7 hours ahead, but changes when one side moves its clocks: 8 hours ahead from 1 November to 31 December 2026; 8 hours ahead from 1 January to 13 March 2027.