What time zone is Kentucky in?
Kentucky is split between two time zones. Most of the state uses Eastern Time (EST, UTC−5 / EDT, UTC−4). Central Time (CST, UTC−6 / CDT, UTC−5) is used in the western half of the state (Bowling Green, Paducah, Owensboro).
Time zones in Kentucky
| Zone | Offset | Time now |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Time | EST, UTC−5 / EDT, UTC−4 | |
| Central Time | CST, UTC−6 / CDT, UTC−5 |
Cities in Kentucky
| City | Time zone | Time now |
|---|---|---|
| Louisville | Eastern Time | |
| Lexington | Eastern Time | |
| Frankfort | Eastern Time | |
| Bowling Green | Central Time | |
| Paducah | Central Time |
Daylight saving time
Yes. Kentucky changes clocks on the second Sunday in March and the first Sunday in November.
Neighbouring states
- Indiana: Eastern Time, Central Time
- Ohio: Eastern Time
- West Virginia: Eastern Time
- Virginia: Eastern Time
- Tennessee: Central Time, Eastern Time
- Missouri: Central Time
- Illinois: Central Time
Other states on Eastern Time
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Georgia
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
Questions people ask
What time zone is Kentucky in?
Kentucky is split between two time zones. Most of the state uses Eastern Time (EST, UTC−5 / EDT, UTC−4). Central Time (CST, UTC−6 / CDT, UTC−5) is used in the western half of the state (Bowling Green, Paducah, Owensboro).
Does Kentucky observe daylight saving time?
Yes. Kentucky changes clocks on the second Sunday in March and the first Sunday in November.
What time is it in Kentucky right now?
The live clock above shows the current time in Kentucky's Eastern Time areas. The table shows each part of the state.
Is Kentucky split between time zones?
Yes. Most of Kentucky uses Eastern Time. Central Time is used in the western half of the state (Bowling Green, Paducah, Owensboro).