Updated August 2026
Brian Rosemorgan
Retired Professional Trader | 8+ Years Experience | South Africa
Questions?
Mastering Forex Market Sessions in South Africa
Understanding forex market sessions is important for South African traders who want to align their trading routine with periods of greater global market activity. Because the foreign exchange market operates across different financial centres around the world, knowing when major markets are active can help you understand when liquidity and trading activity may increase.
Trading during active market hours can provide more liquidity and, depending on the broker and market conditions, potentially tighter spreads and smoother execution. When major sessions overlap, such as London and New York, trading activity often increases. However, higher activity does not guarantee profitable trades, and every position still carries the risk of loss.
Throughout this lesson, you will learn how the Tokyo, London and New York trading sessions relate to South African Standard Time (SAST). You will also learn why session times can shift by one hour during periods when the United Kingdom and United States observe daylight saving time.
1. Understanding SAST and Global Time Zones
South African Standard Time (SAST) operates at UTC+2 throughout the year and South Africa does not observe daylight saving time. This makes local timekeeping relatively straightforward for South African traders. However, the United Kingdom and United States do change their clocks during parts of the year, which means London and New York session times can move by one hour relative to South Africa.
2. The Tokyo Session (Asian Market Hours)
The Tokyo session is part of the early global trading day and is commonly associated with activity in Asian currencies. Depending on seasonal market schedules, the Tokyo session generally falls during the overnight and early-morning hours in South Africa. Liquidity can be lower than during the major European and US overlaps, although pairs such as USD/JPY and AUD/USD can remain active.
3. The London Session (European Core Liquidity)
London is one of the world’s most important forex trading centres and is associated with substantial daily liquidity. For South African traders, the London session generally begins during the morning and continues through the South African afternoon. The exact local opening and closing times can shift by one hour when the United Kingdom changes between standard time and daylight saving time.
4. The London and New York Overlap
The London-New York overlap is one of the most active periods of the global forex trading day because major European and North American financial centres are operating at the same time. For South African traders, the overlap can occur during the afternoon, but its exact SAST timing changes during the year because both the UK and US use daylight saving schedules.
5. The New York Session and Close
The New York session provides significant activity in US dollar pairs and other heavily traded markets. For South African traders, it generally begins during the afternoon or late afternoon and continues into the evening. The exact SAST timing changes when the United States switches between standard time and daylight saving time, so traders should always check the current session schedule rather than relying on one fixed clock time.
Important: Forex Session Times Can Change
The times shown below are useful as general guidelines rather than permanent year-round times. South Africa remains on UTC+2 all year, but the United Kingdom and United States observe daylight saving time.
As a result, London and New York session times can move by approximately one hour relative to South African time during different parts of the year.
Always check the current session schedule before planning your trading day.
| Session | Typical SAST Timing | What to Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | Approximately 00:00–09:00 SAST | Asian market activity and currency pairs such as USD/JPY and AUD/USD. |
| London | Typically around 09:00–18:00 or 10:00–19:00 SAST depending on UK clock changes | Increasing European liquidity and activity in major currency pairs. |
| New York | Typically around 14:00–23:00 or 15:00–00:00 SAST depending on US clock changes | US dollar activity, economic releases and increased market participation. |
| London–New York Overlap | Typically occurs during the South African afternoon | One of the busiest periods of the forex day, although exact times vary seasonally. |
Use the session tool below to help identify the most active trading periods for different forex pairs.
- Tokyo: 00:00 — 08:00
- London: 09:00 — 15:00
- Overlap: 15:00 — 17:00
- New York: 17:00 — 00:00
💡 Brian’s Expert Advice
In my 8+ years of trading, I’ve learned that constantly looking for trades during quiet market periods can lead to unnecessary decisions and increased trading costs. As a South African trader, you can build a routine around the periods when London and New York are active without needing to monitor the charts all day.
Remember that higher liquidity does not guarantee a winning trade. My preference is to wait for a clear setup, use sensible risk management and simply stay out of the market when the conditions do not meet my trading plan.
| Key Feature | What You Need to Know | Actionable Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| London Open | European market activity increases as London financial markets become active. | Check the current SAST opening time and look for setups that match your trading plan. |
| London–New York Overlap | Trading activity is often elevated when European and North American markets operate simultaneously. | Consider making this part of your trading routine if it fits your strategy and risk limits. |
| Off-Peak Hours | Liquidity may be lower and spreads can become less favourable depending on the market and broker. | Avoid trading simply because the market is open. Wait for conditions that fit your plan. |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best forex trading sessions in South Africa?
There is no single session that guarantees better trading results. However, many traders focus on the London session and the London-New York overlap because these periods generally have greater market participation and liquidity. The exact SAST times change during the year because the UK and US observe daylight saving time.
2. What time does the London forex session open in South Africa?
The London session typically opens during the South African morning. The exact SAST opening time changes by one hour depending on whether the United Kingdom is observing standard time or daylight saving time. South Africa remains on UTC+2 throughout the year, so traders should check the current London schedule.
3. How does South African Standard Time affect forex trading hours?
South African Standard Time (SAST) is UTC+2 and remains unchanged throughout the year. This makes local scheduling straightforward, but traders must remember that international financial centres such as London and New York change their clocks during parts of the year.
4. When is the New York forex session active in SAST?
The New York session generally begins during the South African afternoon and continues into the evening. Depending on the US daylight saving schedule, the local SAST opening and closing times can shift by one hour. Always check the current session timetable before planning your trading day.
5. What is the London and New York overlap time in South Africa?
The London-New York overlap generally occurs during the South African afternoon and is often one of the most active periods of the forex trading day. Its exact SAST timing changes during the year because both the United Kingdom and United States use daylight saving schedules.
6. Is trading forex profitable during the Tokyo session in South Africa?
Trading during the Tokyo session can be profitable for some strategies, but no trading session guarantees profits. Asian currencies such as the Japanese Yen and Australian Dollar can be active during this period, although liquidity may be lower than during the major European and US sessions.
7. What are off-peak forex trading hours for South Africans?
Off-peak periods generally occur when fewer major financial centres are active. During these periods, liquidity can decrease and spreads may become less favourable depending on the broker and market conditions. Rather than trading simply because the market is open, consider waiting for conditions that fit your strategy.
8. Do forex market hours change during daylight saving time in South Africa?
South Africa does not observe daylight saving time, so SAST remains at UTC+2 throughout the year. However, countries such as the United Kingdom and United States do change their clocks. As a result, London and New York session times can move by one hour relative to South Africa during parts of the year.
9. How can South African traders avoid high spreads and low liquidity?
South African traders can reduce their exposure to unfavourable trading conditions by understanding when major markets are active, checking their broker’s current spreads and avoiding unnecessary trades during quiet periods. However, spreads can change quickly during news events and unusual market conditions, so no session guarantees a particular trading cost.
🛠 Brokers to Consider for Demo Trading
If you are learning forex risk management, I recommend starting with a demo account rather than rushing into live trading. When comparing brokers, look beyond advertised spreads and consider regulation, commissions, execution, platform availability, withdrawal conditions and customer support.
The brokers below are included because they offer demo-trading options. This section contains affiliate links, so I may receive a commission if you open an account through one of the links. This does not mean that either broker is suitable for every trader. Always research the broker yourself and verify its current regulatory status and trading conditions before opening an account.
XM
✔ Demo account available
✔ MT4 & MT5
✔ Multiple account options
✔ Educational resources
An option to investigate if you want to practise trading on demo while comparing its costs, platforms and account conditions with other brokers.
AvaTrade
✔ Demo account available
✔ MT4 & MT5
✔ AvaTradeGO platform
✔ Educational resources
Another option to investigate if you want to compare platforms, trading conditions and educational resources while practising on demo.
Important:
Spreads, commissions, leverage and other trading conditions can change. Always check the broker’s current terms, costs, regulation and withdrawal requirements before opening an account.
📘 Forex Trading for Beginners
If you’ve enjoyed this free Academy, my book brings everything together in one structured beginner-friendly guide. It’s a useful companion to the lessons you’ll complete here on TryBuying.
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