About Houston Time
Current Local Time in Houston, Texas
Houston, Texas โ known as Space City โ operates on Central Time (CT). During Standard Time (NovemberโMarch), Houston observes Central Standard Time (CST, UTC-6). During Daylight Saving Time (MarchโNovember), Houston uses Central Daylight Time (CDT, UTC-5).
Houston is the 4th most populous US city and the largest in Texas. It's a global hub for the energy industry, medical research (Texas Medical Center), and space exploration (NASA Johnson Space Center).
Texas Energy Market Timing
Houston is the world capital of the energy industry, home to hundreds of major oil and gas companies:
- ERCOT (Texas power grid) trading: 24/7 continuous operation
- NYMEX crude oil trading: 9:00 AMโ2:30 PM CT (electronic: nearly 24 hours)
- Energy company business hours: 8:00 AMโ5:00 PM CT
- Houston Ship Channel operations: 24/7
- Texas Railroad Commission: 8:00 AMโ5:00 PM CT, MonโFri
- Offshore oil & gas operations: Continuous 24/7 rotational shifts
NASA Space Center Visiting Hours
NASA Johnson Space Center โ home of Mission Control โ is a must-visit attraction:
- Space Center Houston (visitor center): 10:00 AMโ5:00 PM weekdays, 10:00 AMโ6:00 PM weekends
- NASA Tram Tours: Depart every 15 minutes during open hours
- IMAX Theater shows: Multiple showtimes daily starting at 10:30 AM
- Mission Status Center: Shows current ISS mission status
- Astronaut Encounter program: Check schedule online (when available)
- Best time to visit: Weekday mornings for smaller crowds
Houston Texas Business & Healthcare
Houston houses the world's largest medical center:
- Texas Medical Center: Open 24/7 (emergency); offices 8:00 AMโ5:00 PM CT
- Port of Houston: Continuous operations, 24/7
- Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo: 3 weeks in March; events from 9:00 AM
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH): Open 24/7
- Downtown business core: 8:00 AMโ6:00 PM CT