Forex trading sessions refer to the different times when the major financial markets around the world are open for trading. Since the forex market operates 24 hours a day during weekdays, understanding these sessions and their timings in UK time is crucial for traders to maximise liquidity and volatility, which can impact trading opportunities.

This article explains the main forex trading sessions, their UK times, and the best periods to trade.

Key Takeaways

• The forex market is open 24 hours from Sunday 10 PM to Friday 10 PM UK time.
• Four main sessions: Sydney, Tokyo, London, and New York.
• The London session is the most active in UK time, offering high liquidity.
• Overlaps between sessions offer the best trading conditions.
• Knowing session times helps align trading strategies with market activity.

Forex Trading Sessions and UK Time

Session	UK Time (GMT/BST)	Description
Sydney	10:00 PM – 7:00 AM	Start of the trading day, lower volume
Tokyo (Asia)	12:00 AM – 9:00 AM	Asian currencies actively traded
London	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM	Most liquid session, GBP and EUR focus
New York	1:00 PM – 10:00 PM	High volatility, USD pairs active

Note: UK switches between GMT and BST; times adjust accordingly.

Best Overlaps for Trading

• London-New York Overlap (1 PM – 5 PM UK time): Peak liquidity and volatility; ideal for trading major pairs.
• Tokyo-London Overlap (8 AM – 9 AM UK time): Moderate activity; good for Asian-European pairs.

Tips for UK Traders

• Focus on London and New York sessions for higher liquidity.
• Avoid low volume times like late Sydney session.
• Plan trades around economic news releases typically during London and New York hours.
• Adjust trading hours based on UK daylight saving time changes.

Case Study: Trading the London Session

James, a UK trader, focuses his trading during the London session from 8 AM to 5 PM. By trading GBP/USD and EUR/USD during these hours, he leverages tight spreads and high market activity. His CPD accredited Forex Course helped him understand the importance of timing and session dynamics.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the forex market open and close in the UK?

The forex market opens Sunday 10 PM and closes Friday 10 PM UK time.

Which session is best for UK forex traders?

The London session (8 AM – 5 PM) offers the highest liquidity and trading opportunities.

What are the busiest forex trading hours?

The London-New York overlap (1 PM – 5 PM UK time) is the most active trading period.

How do UK daylight savings affect trading sessions?

Trading session times shift by one hour forward or backward depending on BST or GMT.

Can I trade forex 24/5 in the UK?

Yes, the forex market operates continuously during weekdays, allowing 24-hour trading.