UK stock market opening times can vary based on whether it’s a public holiday or the festive season.
While most stock markets are open throughout the working week, that doesn’t always mean Monday to Friday. For example, the Saudi Stock Exchange is open from Sunday to Thursday. Trading hours can also vary from region to region.
Whatever investment platforms or trading apps you use, and whether you’re a beginner investor or a seasoned trader, it’s worth knowing when the UK stock market is open.
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UK stock market opening times in 2025
The UK’s stock market is the London Stock Exchange. It is typically open on weekdays from 8 am to 4:30 pm with a tiny break between 12:00 pm and 12:02 pm. This is unlike Asian and Middle Eastern markets, which close for an hour.
With a total trading window of 8 hours and 28 minutes, the UK exchange has some of the longest opening hours in the world. The trading session in New York is just six hours and 30 minutes.
The London Stock Exchange is closed on weekends. However, some big City traders can place deals outside of the standard stock market opening times – also known as extended hours or after-hours trading.
We look at the opening times for the London Stock Exchange throughout the year.
|
Trading times Monday – Friday |
Pre-Market and After-Hours Trading |
|---|---|
|
5:05 am to 7:50 am |
Pre-Trading |
|
8:00 am to 4:30 pm |
Regular Trading |
|
4:40 pm to 5:15 pm |
Post-Close Trading |
|
Trading times Monday – Friday |
Pre-Market and After-Hours Trading |
|---|---|
|
5:05 am to 7:50 am |
Pre-Trading |
|
8:00 am to 12:30 pm |
Regular Trading |
|
12:40 pm to 1:15 pm |
Post-Close Trading |
Is the London Stock Exchange open on bank holidays?
While the London Stock Exchange is usually open on weekdays, bank holidays in England and Wales disrupt trading services. For instance, the stock market will be closed on 25 August as it’s a bank holiday Monday.
We’ve rounded up all the bank holidays coming up this year and their impact on the UK stock market.
|
Date |
Bank holiday |
On Exchange Trading Services |
OTC/SI Off-book trade reporting only |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Monday 25 August 2025 |
Summer Bank Holiday |
NON-trading day. Also GBX/ GBP NON-settlement day in EUI |
Available as normal |
|
Wednesday 24 December 2025 |
Christmas Holiday half day |
Markets closing process commences from 12:30 London time. Standard settlement day. |
Available as normal |
|
Thursday 25 December 2025 |
Christmas Day |
NON-trading day. Also GBX/ GBP NON-settlement day in EUI |
Not available |
|
Friday 26 December 2025 |
Boxing Day |
NON-trading day. Also GBX/ GBP NON-settlement day in EUI |
Not available |
|
Wednesday 31 December 2025 |
New Year’s Holiday half day |
Markets closing process commences from 12:30 London time. Standard settlement day. |
Available as normal |
Source: London Stock Exchange
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