Forex Trading Hours: Best Time to Trade the Forex Market

Forex Trading Hours: Best Time to Trade the Forex Market

Forex Trading Hours: When Is the Best Time to Trade Forex?


What Are Forex Trading Hours?

Forex trading hours refer to the time periods when the global foreign exchange market is open. Unlike stock markets, Forex operates 24 hours a day, 5 days a week, thanks to its decentralized global structure.

The market opens on Monday in Sydney and closes on Friday in New York.

Global Forex trading sessions timeline showing Sydney, Tokyo, London, and New York market hours on a world map

Image content:

  • World map background

  • 24-hour timeline

  • Four sessions labeled: Sydney, Tokyo, London, New York

  • Clean infographic style, blue–purple gradient

The Four Major Forex Trading Sessions

1. Sydney Session

  • Opening time: 10:00 PM GMT

  • Market activity: Low to moderate

  • Best pairs: AUD/USD, NZD/USD

2. Tokyo Session

  • Opening time: 12:00 AM GMT

  • Known as the Asian session

  • Best pairs: USD/JPY, AUD/JPY

3. London Session

  • Opening time: 8:00 AM GMT

  • Highest trading volume

  • Best pairs: EUR/USD, GBP/USD

4. New York Session

  • Opening time: 1:00 PM GMT

  • Strong volatility, especially early session

  • Best pairs: EUR/USD, USD/CAD

Forex session overlap chart highlighting London and New York overlap as the most active trading period

Image content:

  • Timeline with overlapping sessions

  • Highlight London–New York overlap

  • “Most Active” label

  • Bright, high-contrast colors

Best Time to Trade Forex

The best time to trade Forex is during session overlaps, when trading volume and volatility are highest.

Best Overlap Periods:

  • London & New York: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM GMT (Most volatile)

  • Tokyo & London: Short overlap with moderate activity

High volatility means more opportunities, but also higher risk, so proper risk management is essential.

Does Forex Trade on Weekends?

❌ No.
Forex is closed on weekends, but prices may gap when the market reopens on Monday due to news or global events.

Forex candlestick chart with highlighted high-volatility trading hours during London and New York sessions

Image content:

  • Candlestick chart only

  • Highlighted time zones

  • Clean professional trading look

  • No buy/sell buttons

Final Thoughts on Forex Trading Hours

Understanding Forex trading hours helps traders:

  • Avoid low-liquidity periods

  • Trade during high volatility

  • Improve strategy timing

Timing is a key factor in Forex success.

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