Chicago and Madrid: plan a meeting across time zones

The time difference

For most of the year, Madrid is 7 hours ahead of Chicago. That gap does not hold all year — here is how it actually moves:

• 1 January to 7 March: Madrid is 7 hours ahead of Chicago
• 8 March to 28 March: Madrid is 6 hours ahead of Chicago
• 29 March to 24 October: Madrid is 7 hours ahead of Chicago
• 25 October to 31 October: Madrid is 6 hours ahead of Chicago
• 1 November to 31 December: Madrid is 7 hours ahead of Chicago

Best time to meet

A one-hour meeting starting around 9 AM in Chicago lands at 4 PM in Madrid — inside normal working hours (9 AM–5 PM) for both sides.

Clock changes to plan around

• Chicago changes clocks — 2026: 8 March and 1 November; 2027: 14 March and 7 November.
• Madrid changes clocks — 2026: 29 March and 25 October; 2027: 28 March and 31 October.

Upcoming public holidays

• 12 October — Chicago: Columbus Day
• 11 November — Chicago: Veterans Day
• 26 November — Chicago: Thanksgiving Day
• 25 December — Chicago: Christmas Day
• 12 October — Madrid: National Day
• 8 December — Madrid: Immaculate Conception
• 25 December — Madrid: Christmas Day
• 1 January 2027 — Madrid: New Year's Day

Holiday data uses country-level public calendars and may miss regional observances or company shutdowns — confirm with your participant if the date matters.

Questions about Chicago and Madrid

What time is it in Madrid when it is 9 AM in Chicago?

For most of the year, 9 AM in Chicago is 4 PM in Madrid (UTC-5 against UTC+2). During the weeks listed above when the gap shifts, it moves by an hour. Open the planner for a specific date.

Does Chicago or Madrid change clocks first?

Both cities observe daylight saving, but not always on the same dates — see the clock-change dates above.

Is there a public holiday in Chicago or Madrid soon?

Chicago: Columbus Day on 12 October. Madrid: National Day on 12 October.