Right now, if you are looking at a clock in Springfield, Missouri, you are looking at Central Standard Time (CST). It’s the rhythm of the Ozarks.
Most people checking the time for "the 417" are usually trying to figure out if they’ve missed a meeting at one of the healthcare giants like CoxHealth or if they’re late for a Missouri State University basketball game. As of today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, Springfield is firmly in the winter stretch of the year. That means the sun sets early—usually right around 5:20 PM—and the city is running six hours behind Coordinated Universal Time ($UTC-6$).
What Time Is It In Springfield Missouri Right Now?
Honestly, the easiest way to think about Springfield time is to compare it to the coasts. If you're calling from New York, Springfield is one hour behind you. If you’re dialling in from Los Angeles, Springfield is two hours ahead. It’s that middle-of-the-country sweet spot.
Current Time Breakdown
- Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST)
- UTC Offset: $-6$ hours
- Today's Date: January 17, 2026
- Sun Cycle: Sunrise was at 7:25 AM; Sunset is expected at 5:20 PM.
The Daylight Saving Tug-of-War
Springfield, like the rest of Missouri, doesn't stay on Standard Time forever. We’re currently in that cold, dark part of the year where the clocks haven't moved yet. But that change is coming sooner than you think.
On Sunday, March 8, 2026, Springfield will "spring forward." At 2:00 AM, the city officially switches to Central Daylight Time (CDT). Basically, everyone loses an hour of sleep, but we gain that beautiful evening light for walks at Nathanael Greene Park. During that period, the offset shifts to $UTC-5$.
This cycle has been the standard in Missouri since 1970. While there's always talk in the state legislature about "locking the clock" and staying on permanent Daylight Saving Time, nothing has stuck yet. For now, you’ve still got to mark your calendars for the first Sunday in November to "fall back" again.
Why Does the Time Here Matter?
Springfield isn't just a random spot on the map; it’s the "Queen City of the Ozarks." Because it's a major hub for logistics and the birthplace of Route 66, timing is everything.
👉 See also: The Real Reason a Bikini Showing Pubic Hair Is Finally Becoming Normal
If you're a fan of high school hoops, you’re probably aware that the Bass Pro Shops Tournament of Champions is happening right now at the Great Southern Bank Arena. Today, January 17, the action kicks off at 2:30 PM local time. If you’re checking the time from out of state to catch a stream, make sure you’ve accounted for that Central Time lag.
Local Events Today (Jan 17, 2026)
- Tournament of Champions: Games start at 2:30 PM.
- Moontown Sound Concert: Nathan Bryce & Loaded Dice start their set at 7:00 PM on Commercial Street.
- Winterfest: The vodka bar "Inner Circle" starts the party at 8:00 PM.
Common Misconceptions About Springfield Time
You’d be surprised how many people get confused because Missouri is so large. People often wonder if the state splits time zones like Kansas or Nebraska.
It doesn't.
📖 Related: Rose Gold Pastel Hair: What Your Stylist Probably Won't Tell You
Whether you are in St. Louis, Kansas City, or way down south in Springfield, the time is identical. There’s no weird "mountain time" creeping in from the west. Everything in the Show-Me State runs on the same watch.
Another thing: some people think "Central Time" and "Central Standard Time" are the same thing. They aren't. "Central Time" is the general name for the zone, but "Standard" only applies when we aren't in Daylight Saving mode. Right now, in January, we are in Standard. In July? We're in Daylight.
Navigating the Ozarks Schedule
If you’re traveling to Springfield or doing business here, keep a few local quirks in mind. Most local businesses follow a standard 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM CST schedule. However, because we’re a college town, downtown Springfield often stays lively well past midnight, especially around Park Central Square.
👉 See also: Decoración de uñas de pies: Por qué tus pies merecen más que un simple color sólido
If you are planning a call or a visit, remember that the "noon" hour in Springfield is a big deal for the lunch rush. Since it's currently 29°F outside, everyone is crowding into places like Casper’s for chili or heading to Leong’s for some world-famous Springfield-style Cashew Chicken.
Actionable Next Steps for You:
- Sync Your Calendar: If you have a meeting with someone in Springfield, set your calendar app to "America/Chicago" time. This is the IANA identifier that Springfield uses to ensure your digital clock doesn't glitch.
- Prepare for March: Mark March 8, 2026, as your "time jump" day. If you have manual clocks or car dashboards that don't auto-update, that’s the day they'll be wrong.
- Check the Sunset: If you’re planning outdoor photography or a hike at Busiek State Forest today, remember the sun is gone by 5:20 PM. Pack a headlamp if you're hitting the trails late.