Time difference between Chicago and San Francisco

San Francisco is 2 hours behind Chicago.

United States · Central Daylight Time

2:45 AM

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

United States · Pacific Daylight Time

12:45 AM

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Chicago to San Francisco time converter

Green rows are office hours in both places; light green rows are when both are awake.

What is the time difference between Chicago and San Francisco?

San Francisco is 2 hours behind Chicago. Chicago is on UTC−5 and San Francisco is on UTC−7.

What time is it in San Francisco when it is 9 AM in Chicago?

When it is 9:00 AM in Chicago, it is 7:00 AM in San Francisco.

When is the best time to call San Francisco from Chicago?

The best time to call or meet is 11:00 AM–6:00 PM in Chicago (9:00 AM–4:00 PM in San Francisco), when both places are in normal office hours.

Does the time difference between Chicago and San Francisco change?

Yes. Because of daylight saving time, the difference changes on Sunday, November 1, 2026, when San Francisco will be 1 hour behind Chicago.

Chicago is 2 hours ahead of San Francisco. More: time in Chicago · time in San Francisco