Options Trading Hours in the U.S. and Best Times to Trade
Timing is everything in options trading—especially when it comes to market hours. Knowing exactly when U.S. options markets are open and when to trade for best results can improve your execution, reduce slippage, and boost overall performance.
In this guide, we explain standard options trading hours and the best times to place trades during the day.
Standard Options Trading Hours (U.S.)
- Market Open: 9:30 AM EST
- Market Close: 4:00 PM EST
- Pre-market and After-hours: Stocks may trade, but options do not
Options trades must be placed during regular market hours only.
Best Times to Trade Options
1. First Hour (9:30 AM – 10:30 AM EST)
- High volume
- Wide price movement
- Ideal for directional trades
- Be cautious—volatility can trigger whipsaws
2. Midday Lull (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM EST)
- Slower movement, tighter spreads
- Good for opening credit spreads or income trades
- Lower IV shifts—ideal for range-bound plays
3. Last Hour (3:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST)
- Volume returns
- Momentum or reversal trades
- Watch out for late-day volatility spikes
When NOT to Trade Options
- During low volume lunch hours if you need fast fills
- Around Fed meetings or earnings reports without a plan
- After-hours or pre-market—you can’t place options trades
Time Zone Reference (U.S. Options Market)
| Time Zone | Market Opens | Market Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern (EST) | 9:30 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Central (CST) | 8:30 AM | 3:00 PM |
| Mountain (MST) | 7:30 AM | 2:00 PM |
| Pacific (PST) | 6:30 AM | 1:00 PM |
Tips for Better Timing
- Use scanners to find early breakouts (9:30–10:00 AM)
- Avoid large spreads—trade during peak liquidity hours
- If trading weekly options, use Tuesday–Thursday for cleaner setups
- Avoid Fridays near expiration unless you’re experienced
FAQs
1. What are U.S. options market hours?
9:30 AM to 4:00 PM EST, Monday through Friday.
2. Can I trade options before or after the market opens?
No. Options can only be traded during regular market hours.
3. What’s the best time of day to trade options?
The first and last hour of the session typically offer the best volume and movement.
4. Should I trade during lunch hours?
It depends. For slower strategies like credit spreads, it may be fine.
5. Are options available on weekends?
No. U.S. options markets are closed on weekends and holidays.
