Understanding forex trading session hours in Eastern Standard Time (EST) is vital for any trader based in North America or anyone operating on EST-based platforms. Since the forex market is decentralised and open 24 hours a day, knowing which sessions are active at what times helps traders tap into peak volatility periods and avoid low-liquidity zones. This article outlines the major forex sessions in EST, the best trading windows, and how traders can optimise their strategies around these times.

Key Takeaways

• Forex trading runs 24/5, divided into four major sessions: Sydney, Tokyo, London, and New York
• EST is UTC−5, but becomes UTC−4 during Daylight Saving Time (March–November)
• The most volatile trading window is during the London-New York overlap (8 am–12 pm EST)
• Best session for USD-based pairs is the New York session (8 am–5 pm EST)
• Session awareness improves risk management, trade timing, and profitability

Forex Trading Sessions in EST (Standard and Daylight Saving Time)

Session	EST (Standard Time)	EST (Daylight Time)	Major Currencies
Sydney	5:00 pm – 2:00 am	4:00 pm – 1:00 am	AUD, NZD
Tokyo	7:00 pm – 4:00 am	6:00 pm – 3:00 am	JPY
London	3:00 am – 12:00 pm	2:00 am – 11:00 am	EUR, GBP, CHF
New York	8:00 am – 5:00 pm	7:00 am – 4:00 pm	USD, CAD

Note: During Daylight Saving Time (typically March to November), all session times shift forward by 1 hour.

Best Times To Trade Forex in EST

London-New York Overlap: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm EST

• Highest volume and volatility
• Ideal for day trading EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY
• Sharp price movements and trend formations

Early London Open: 3:00 am – 5:00 am EST

• Breakout setups from Asian session ranges
• Good for trading GBP, EUR, and CHF pairs

New York Close & Asia Open: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm EST

• Often quieter, good for range trading or market review
• Spreads can widen due to lower liquidity

Mid-Article Insight

Timing is everything in forex. If you’re trading from North America or using EST-based charts, mastering the session hours is non-negotiable. Our professional Forex Course will teach you how to trade session volatility with confidence, backed by proven strategies tailored to your time zone.

How To Use Session Hours in Your Strategy

• Scalpers: Focus on overlaps where liquidity is highest (e.g., 8 am–12 pm EST)
• Swing Traders: Monitor daily candle closes during the New York session
• News Traders: Use the New York session for trading high-impact USD-related news
• Trend Traders: Watch for breakouts during London open or New York open

Real Example: EST Session Strategy

Maria, a forex trader in New York, schedules her trades between 8 am and 11 am EST, during the London-New York overlap. She trades GBP/USD using a breakout strategy, entering after London volatility is confirmed and exiting before New York lunch hours. This focus on session dynamics increased her win rate by 20%.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the forex market open and close in EST?

The forex market opens Sunday at 5:00 pm EST with the Sydney session and closes Friday at 5:00 pm EST with the New York session.

Which forex session is most volatile in EST?

The overlap between London and New York sessions (8:00 am – 12:00 pm EST) is the most volatile.

Do forex trading hours change with Daylight Saving Time?

Yes, session times shift by one hour during DST, which typically runs from March to November.

Is it good to trade during the Sydney session in EST?

It’s quieter, suitable for AUD and NZD pairs, but not ideal for high volatility trades.

What session is best for USD/JPY in EST?

The New York session (8:00 am – 5:00 pm EST) is best due to high USD activity.

Conclusion

Knowing the forex trading session hours in EST gives traders a competitive edge by aligning strategy with market activity. Whether you’re day trading during the New York-London overlap or swing trading off daily closes, recognising when the market is most active enhances decision-making, reduces risk, and increases potential returns. Properly integrating session awareness into your trading plan is essential for long-term success.