Forex Market Hours and Sessions Clock

The forex market runs around the clock from Sunday evening to Friday evening (UTC), but activity is not even. It moves through four main sessions, and the busiest periods are when two of them overlap. The clock above shows which sessions are open now and when each one opens or closes, in your local time and in UTC.

Session times (UTC)

Times are approximate. Session hours shift by about an hour when daylight saving starts or ends in each region, so check your broker’s schedule.

The overlaps that matter

• Sydney and Tokyo (00:00–07:00 UTC): Asia-Pacific pairs such as AUD and JPY are most active.
• Tokyo and London (08:00–09:00 UTC): a short overlap as Europe opens.
• London and New York (13:00–17:00 UTC): usually the most liquid hours, with the tightest spreads on major pairs.

How traders use sessions

• Match the pair to the session. EUR and GBP pairs tend to move most during London hours. AUD and JPY pairs are often more active during Asian hours.
• Expect quieter markets between sessions. Ranges are often smaller when few sessions are open, and spreads can be wider.
• Watch the open and close. Volatility can spike when a major session opens.
• Combine with the calendar. Check the economic calendar before trading around scheduled news.

FAQ

What is the best time to trade forex? Many traders favor the London and New York overlap for liquidity. The best time for you depends on your strategy, time zone and the pairs you trade.

Is the forex market open on weekends? Retail forex is generally closed from Friday evening to Sunday evening (UTC). Some brokers offer limited weekend products.

Why does the clock show local time? It uses your device’s time zone so you can see when sessions open where you are.

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Educational use only. Not financial advice.