The forex market runs 24 hours a day, five days a week — but that does not mean every hour is worth trading. Knowing when to trade is just as important as knowing what to trade. This guide breaks down the global sessions, when the market is most active, and the best (and worst) times to place your trades.
Is forex open 24 hours?
Yes. Forex trades continuously from Sunday evening to Friday evening because it follows the business hours of major financial centres around the world. As one region closes, another opens, so the market never sleeps during the week — but it does close on weekends.
The four major forex sessions
Activity is organised into four sessions named after key financial hubs. Times below are approximate in GMT and shift slightly with daylight saving:
| Session | Hours (GMT) | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | 21:00 – 06:00 | Quiet open of the week |
| Tokyo (Asian) | 00:00 – 09:00 | Moderate; JPY, AUD, NZD active |
| London (European) | 08:00 – 16:00 | High volume — the biggest session |
| New York (US) | 13:00 – 21:00 | High volume; USD and news-driven |
The best time to trade: session overlaps
The most active — and usually the best — time to trade is when two sessions are open at once, because liquidity and volatility peak:
- London–New York overlap (13:00–16:00 GMT) — the prime window. The two largest sessions run together, giving the tightest spreads and the biggest moves of the day.
- Tokyo–London overlap (around 08:00 GMT): a smaller pickup as Europe comes online.
If you can only trade for a couple of hours a day, the London–New York overlap is usually where the best opportunities are.
Best times for specific markets
- EUR/USD and GBP/USD: most active during London and New York.
- USD/JPY, AUD/USD, NZD/USD: liveliest during the Asian session.
- Gold (XAU/USD) and US indices: follow the London–New York window and US data — see our gold trading guide.
Best days of the week to trade
- Tuesday to Thursday are typically the most active, trend-friendly days.
- Monday often starts slow while the market finds direction.
- Friday afternoon winds down as liquidity thins before the weekend.
When to avoid trading
- Right into major news (rate decisions, NFP, CPI) unless you have a clear plan — spreads widen and prices whipsaw.
- Late New York / daily rollover, when liquidity is thin.
- Late Friday and weekends, when the market is closing or shut.
A simple rule for beginners
Trade the London–New York overlap, mid-week, with a plan — and sit out the quiet, low-liquidity hours. Good timing beats long hours in front of the screen. New to the basics? Start with our forex for beginners guide.
Risk warning: Trading forex and CFDs on margin carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for everyone. You could lose some or all of your invested capital.
Frequently asked questions
What is the single best time to trade forex?
The London–New York overlap, roughly 13:00–16:00 GMT, when liquidity and volatility are highest.
Is forex open on weekends?
No. The market closes Friday evening and reopens Sunday evening (GMT). Crypto markets, however, trade through the weekend.
What is the best time to trade gold?
Gold is most active during the London–New York overlap and around major US data releases.
Can I trade forex at night?
Yes — the Asian session runs through the night in Europe/US time and suits pairs like USD/JPY and AUD/USD.
Do the best times change with daylight saving?
Yes. Session times shift by about an hour when clocks change, so adjust the GMT windows accordingly.
Ready to trade?
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