It is currently 6:21 AM in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The city is waking up to a crisp Saturday, January 17, 2026. If you’re checking the clock because you have a meeting or you're just wondering if it’s too early to grab a Moravian sugar cake, you are on Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Knowing what time is it in Winston-Salem is usually about more than just the digits on a phone. It’s about the rhythm of the "Twin City." Right now, the sun hasn’t even peeked over the horizon—sunrise isn't until 7:30 AM today. Most of the city is still quiet, though the early birds are likely heading toward the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Farmers Market, which opens at 6:00 AM.
Understanding the Winston-Salem Time Zone
Winston-Salem sits firmly in the Eastern Time Zone. For most of the year, this means we follow the same beat as New York City, Atlanta, and Miami.
But it’s not always EST.
Like most of the United States, North Carolina plays the "spring forward, fall back" game. Right now, we are in Standard Time. That changes on Sunday, March 8, 2026, when we’ll lose an hour of sleep and switch to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). At 2:00 AM that morning, the clocks jump to 3:00 AM.
It's a bit of a localized headache for anyone with a strict internal clock.
💡 You might also like: Cooper City FL Zip Codes: What Moving Here Is Actually Like
Why the "Twin City" Name Matters for Your Schedule
Winston-Salem isn't just one place; it’s a marriage. Winston and Salem were two separate towns that officially merged in 1913. Salem was the quiet, religious Moravian settlement founded back in 1766. Winston was the industrial powerhouse built on tobacco.
When you look at the time here, you’re looking at a city that balances two identities. You have the historic, slow-paced feel of Old Salem, where people still dress in 18th-century attire, and the high-tech, fast-moving energy of the Innovation Quarter.
What Time is it in Winston-Salem Compared to Other Places?
If you’re calling from out of town, here is how the math works out.
Honestly, it’s easier than it sounds. If you are in California (Pacific Time), you are three hours behind us. If it’s 6:21 AM here, it’s a very sleepy 3:21 AM for you. People in Chicago or Nashville (Central Time) are just one hour behind.
- London: 5 hours ahead
- Tokyo: 14 hours ahead
- Los Angeles: 3 hours behind
- Denver: 2 hours behind
The Eastern Time Zone is basically the anchor for business on the East Coast. Most offices here open at 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM, and the city starts to wind down around 5:00 PM, though the downtown arts district stays lively well into the night.
📖 Related: Why People That Died on Their Birthday Are More Common Than You Think
Sun Cycles and Seasonal Shifts
Today, January 17, the day is relatively short. We’re looking at about 10 hours and 4 minutes of daylight.
The sun will set at 5:32 PM.
By the time we hit June, that sunset will push past 8:30 PM. That’s the beauty of the Carolina Piedmont—long, humid summer evenings that feel like they last forever. But in January? It’s dark early. Most people are headed indoors to spots like a/perture cinema on Fourth Street or grabbing a beer at Foothills Brewing before the sun even finishes dipping.
Key Dates for Time Changes in 2026
Don't get caught off guard by the shifts this year.
- March 8, 2026: Daylight Saving Time begins. Turn your clocks forward one hour.
- November 1, 2026: Daylight Saving Time ends. Turn your clocks back one hour.
Is Winston-Salem Always on the Same Time?
Sometimes people ask if North Carolina is considering staying on permanent Daylight Saving Time. It's a hot topic in the state legislature every few years. There have been several bills proposed to stop the "clock switching," but for now, we follow the federal lead.
👉 See also: Marie Kondo The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: What Most People Get Wrong
Basically, until Congress makes a move on the Sunshine Protection Act or similar legislation, Winston-Salem will keep changing its clocks twice a year.
Making the Most of Your Time in the City
If you’re here right now, you’ve got a full Saturday ahead of you.
The Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Farmers Market is already open. It’s a great spot for local honey and crafts. Later today, at 4:00 PM, there's a True Crime Tour of the city that starts downtown. If you’re into film, Weathering with You is playing at a/perture at 7:15 PM.
Since it's currently 6:21 AM, you have just over an hour until the sun comes up. It’s a perfect time to grab a coffee at Bobby Boy Bakeshop or Sayso once they open their doors.
Actionable Steps for Today
- Check your smart devices to ensure they’ve updated to the current 6:21 AM time (though most do this automatically).
- Plan your commute around the 7:30 AM sunrise if you prefer driving in daylight.
- Mark March 8 on your calendar so you don't miss the spring time change.
- If you're heading to Old Salem, remember that their hours are different from the modern shops downtown; most historic buildings won't open until 10:00 AM.
Winston-Salem is a city that respects its history but keeps a sharp eye on the future. Whether you're here for the "Innovation" or the "Arts," you're now synced up with the local heartbeat.
Check the local weather forecast next, as January mornings in the Piedmont can swing from freezing to mild in a matter of hours.