Whether forex trading is open today depends on the day of the week, your time zone, and public holidays in major financial centres. The global forex market operates 24 hours a day, five days a week — typically from Monday 5 AM Sydney time to Friday 5 PM New York time.

Key Takeaways

• Forex trading runs continuously from Monday to Friday.
• The market is usually closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Trading hours follow the global trading session cycle: Sydney → Tokyo → London → New York.
• Public holidays in major financial hubs (like the US, UK, Japan) can reduce liquidity.
• If today is Monday to Friday, forex trading is likely open — unless it’s a major holiday.

Forex Market Weekly Opening and Closing Times (UTC)

Session	Opens (UTC)	Closes (UTC)
Sydney	10:00 PM	07:00 AM
Tokyo	12:00 AM	09:00 AM
London	08:00 AM	05:00 PM
New York	01:00 PM	10:00 PM

The forex market opens late Sunday night in UTC due to the Sydney session starting the trading week.

How to Know If Forex Is Trading Right Now

1. Check the Day: If it’s Saturday or Sunday, the market is closed.
2. Check the Time: Market is open 24/5 across different global sessions.
3. Check Holidays: Market may be open but with low liquidity during major public holidays.

Special Cases When Forex May Be Closed or Thin

• Christmas Day and New Year’s Day: Most brokers close.
• US Independence Day, UK Bank Holidays, or Japan’s Golden Week: Reduced volume and spreads may widen.
• Some Islamic holidays may affect trading in Middle Eastern markets.

Case Study: Trading on a Bank Holiday

John, a trader based in London, logged in on a Monday that happened to be a UK bank holiday. Although the forex market was technically open, he noticed unusual price gaps, lower volatility, and wide spreads — especially during the London session. He paused trading until liquidity returned during the overlapping US session.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is forex trading available on weekends?

No, the forex market is closed from late Friday to late Sunday UTC. However, cryptocurrency trading continues 24/7.

What time does forex trading start on Sunday?

Forex trading starts at 10 PM UTC on Sunday with the opening of the Sydney session.

Why can I access my platform but not trade?

Your broker may allow platform access even when markets are closed. Prices won’t move and no orders will be executed during the weekend.

Can public holidays close the forex market?

Not entirely, but they can reduce trading volume and lead to erratic price action.

How do I check if forex is open right now?

Use a reliable market hours tracker or check your trading platform’s session indicator.