Which time is best for forex trading is one of the most critical questions new and experienced traders alike must answer. The foreign exchange market operates 24 hours a day from Monday to Friday, but not all hours are equally active. Choosing the right time to trade affects spreads, liquidity, volatility, and ultimately profitability.

This article explains the best times to trade forex, the four major trading sessions, and how to align them with your strategy.

Key Takeaways

• The forex market is open 24 hours a day, five days a week.
• The best time to trade is during major session overlaps, especially London–New York.
• Volatility and liquidity are highest when two sessions overlap.
• Avoid late-Friday and early-Sunday trading when volume is low and spreads widen.

Overview of the Four Major Forex Sessions

Trading Session	Opening Hours (GMT)	Key Characteristics
Sydney	10 PM – 7 AM	Quiet start to the week, low volatility
Tokyo	12 AM – 9 AM	Asian market open, modest volatility
London	8 AM – 5 PM	Highest liquidity, overlaps with NY session
New York	1 PM – 10 PM	High volume, news-driven volatility

Best Time To Trade Forex by Strategy

Strategy Type	Ideal Trading Time (GMT)	Reason
Scalping	8 AM – 11 AM (London)	Tight spreads, high volatility
Day Trading	1 PM – 5 PM (London–New York overlap)	Sharp movements, economic data releases
Swing Trading	8 AM – 5 PM (London)	Longer-term trend developments
News Trading	1:30 PM (US economic releases)	Major news volatility from NFP, CPI, interest rates

Best Forex Trading Session: London–New York Overlap

• Time: 1 PM – 5 PM GMT
• Features:
  • Highest liquidity
  • Tightest spreads
  • Major market-moving events
  • Fast execution

Worst Times to Trade

• Sunday Open (9 PM – 11 PM GMT): Low volume, price gaps
• Friday After 6 PM GMT: Liquidity dries up, brokers widen spreads
• During Holidays: Thin order books, unpredictable price action

Case Study: Trading the Overlap

Priya, a part-time trader in Mumbai, focuses on trading the London–New York overlap (6:30 PM – 10:30 PM IST). During this window, she executes breakout strategies on EUR/USD and GBP/JPY with consistent momentum. By avoiding early-Sunday and late-Friday trades, she reduces slippage and improves her risk-to-reward ratio.

Time Zone Conversion Table

Region	Best Local Time for Trading (Overlap)
UK (GMT+1)	2 PM – 6 PM
India (IST)	6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
USA (EST)	8 AM – 12 PM
Australia	12 AM – 4 AM
Nigeria	2 PM – 6 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

Which forex session is best for trading?

The London–New York overlap (1 PM – 5 PM GMT) is the best due to its high liquidity and volatility.

What is the worst time to trade forex?

Late Friday and early Sunday sessions are the worst due to low volume and wide spreads.

Is it good to trade during the Asian session?

It’s best for range-bound strategies and JPY-based pairs but lacks the volatility of other sessions.

Should I trade during news events?

Only if you have experience. News trading can be profitable but highly volatile and risky.

Can I trade forex at night?

Yes, depending on your time zone. Night trading in Asia aligns with the Tokyo session.