Understanding the forex trading open times is crucial for every trader aiming to capitalise on global currency movements. The forex market operates 24 hours a day, five days a week, but activity and volatility vary depending on the trading session. Knowing when the market opens—and which sessions overlap—can significantly impact your strategy, spread costs, and success rate.

This article covers the full schedule of forex trading open times, how different sessions affect market behaviour, and how to align your strategy with peak activity hours.

Key Takeaways

• The forex market opens on Sunday at 22:00 GMT and closes Friday at 22:00 GMT.
• There are four main trading sessions: Sydney, Tokyo, London, and New York.
• Session overlaps offer the highest liquidity and volatility.
• Traders should align their strategies with the most active sessions for their currency pairs.

Forex Trading Session Times (GMT)

Session	Open (GMT)	Close (GMT)	Characteristics
Sydney	22:00	07:00	Least volatile, useful for AUD/NZD pairs
Tokyo	00:00	09:00	Active for JPY pairs; moderate volume
London	08:00	17:00	Highest volume; EUR, GBP, USD active
New York	13:00	22:00	Second-highest volume; overlaps with London

The forex trading open on Sunday evening (22:00 GMT) marks the start of the Sydney session, signalling the global market’s weekly kickoff.

Best Times to Trade Forex

1. London/New York Overlap (13:00 – 17:00 GMT)

• Highest liquidity and tightest spreads
• Best for EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/JPY

2. Tokyo/London Overlap (08:00 – 09:00 GMT)

• Active session crossover for JPY and EUR pairs

3. Early London Session (08:00 – 11:00 GMT)

• High volume, especially for EUR, GBP, CHF

Why Session Timing Matters

• Spreads: Tightest during peak sessions; wider in low-volume times.
• Volatility: More price movement = more trading opportunities.
• News Releases: Economic data from US, UK, and EU usually impacts London and New York sessions.

How to Trade Around the Forex Market Open

1. Watch for Weekend Gaps
   • At the Sunday open, price may “gap” due to weekend news.
2. Avoid Low Liquidity Periods
   • Sydney session is calm; spreads widen.
3. Use Session Indicators
   • Tools like the FX Sessions Indicator on MT5 or TradingView help visualise global trading hours.
4. Align With Your Strategy
   • Scalpers should trade during overlaps.
   • Swing traders can enter positions when trends emerge post-open.

Case Study: Trading the Sunday Open

Khalid, a trader based in Dubai, used to enter trades at the Sunday open each week. After getting caught in slippage and weekend gaps, he shifted his strategy to wait until the London open on Monday. This adjustment led to better execution, less drawdown, and more reliable setups.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the forex market open each week?

It opens every Sunday at 22:00 GMT (Sydney session) and runs continuously until Friday 22:00 GMT.

Which is the best session to trade forex?

The London/New York overlap (13:00–17:00 GMT) offers the most liquidity and trading opportunities.

Is forex open on weekends?

No. The market closes Friday at 22:00 GMT and reopens Sunday at 22:00 GMT.

Can I trade at night?

Yes. The market is open at night depending on your time zone, but volatility is lower during the Sydney and Tokyo sessions.

Do spreads widen at market open?

Yes. Spreads typically widen during the Sunday open due to lower liquidity and possible weekend news gaps.