Forex trading in the UK operates within the global 24-hour foreign exchange market but is influenced by specific trading session times linked to major financial centres. Understanding UK forex trading times helps traders optimise their activity according to market liquidity and volatility.

Key Takeaways

• Forex markets operate 24 hours a day, 5 days a week globally
• The London session is the most important for UK traders due to local market activity
• UK forex trading times overlap with European and US sessions, increasing volatility
• Key session times affect currency pairs differently based on regional influence
• Planning trades around session times improves execution and risk management

Forex Trading Sessions Relevant to the UK

Session	UK Local Time (GMT/BST)	Description
Sydney	10 PM – 7 AM GMT (11 PM – 8 AM BST)	Start of the forex day, lower liquidity
Tokyo	12 AM – 9 AM GMT (1 AM – 10 AM BST)	Active Asian markets, JPY pairs volatile
London	8 AM – 5 PM GMT (9 AM – 6 PM BST)	Main trading session, highest volume
New York	1 PM – 10 PM GMT (2 PM – 11 PM BST)	US market opens, overlaps with London session

Best UK Forex Trading Times

• London Session (8 AM – 5 PM GMT/BST): Highest liquidity and volatility, ideal for trading major pairs like EUR/USD, GBP/USD
• London/New York Overlap (1 PM – 5 PM GMT/BST): Peak trading volume, increased price movements
• Avoid Trading: Late Sydney session due to low liquidity and wider spreads

Impact on Currency Pairs

• GBP, EUR, and CHF pairs see strong moves during London session
• USD pairs become more active during New York session
• Asian session impacts JPY and AUD pairs primarily

Case Study: Trading GBP/USD with UK Trading Times

James, a UK trader, focuses on trading GBP/USD during the London and London/New York overlap sessions. He notices better price action and tighter spreads during these times, leading to more profitable trades. His approach is supported by lessons from a CPD Accredited Forex Course.

Tips for UK Traders

• Align your trading schedule with London and New York sessions for best liquidity
• Monitor economic calendars for UK and US market news during active sessions
• Use demo accounts to test strategies during different trading hours
• Adjust risk management for lower liquidity sessions to avoid slippage

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the UK forex trading hours?

The forex market is open 24 hours from Sunday 10 PM GMT to Friday 10 PM GMT, with London session from 8 AM to 5 PM GMT.

When is the best time to trade forex in the UK?

During the London session and the London/New York overlap (8 AM to 5 PM and 1 PM to 5 PM GMT).

Does forex trading close on UK public holidays?

No, the forex market operates globally, but liquidity may reduce during major UK holidays.

Are spreads lower during UK trading hours?

Yes, spreads tend to be tighter during the London session due to high liquidity.

Can I trade forex 24/5 in the UK?

Yes, forex trading is available 24 hours a day, five days a week.