Killzone (ICT)
A killzone is an ICT term for short time windows around the opening of major trading sessions, when price usually moves most: the Asian, London and New York killzones.
How it works
The idea is simple: much of the volume and sharp moves come when big financial centres open. Banks and funds step in, economic data is released, and price is more likely to impulse and sweep liquidity. ICT traders look for setups mainly inside these windows and wait the rest of the time.
Exact hours vary by source, but they are usually quoted in New York time: Asian killzone roughly 20:00–00:00, London 02:00–05:00, New York 07:00–10:00, sometimes with a London close window at 10:00–12:00. Daylight saving changes the offset to your own time zone, so check it twice a year.
Killzones come from forex, where trading follows sessions. Crypto trades around the clock, yet its volume still rises noticeably during London and New York hours, especially at the US stock market open. A killzone is a time filter, not an entry signal.
A trader in UTC+3 in winter (New York = UTC−5) converts the London killzone of 02:00–05:00 New York time to 10:00–13:00 local. In summer (New York = UTC−4) the same window is 09:00–12:00 local. Outside these windows the trader opens no trades.
The mistake is assuming price will definitely make a big move in a killzone and entering blind. Quiet days happen, and holidays and weekends break the pattern. Use killzones only to decide when to watch the chart, and take entries by your own rules.
Questions and answers
What is a killzone in simple terms?
It is the time when a major session opens and the market usually moves more. ICT traders look for trades mostly during those hours.
What are the killzone times?
In New York time, roughly: Asia 20:00–00:00, London 02:00–05:00, New York 07:00–10:00. Sources differ slightly on the exact hours.
Do killzones work in crypto?
Partly. Crypto trades 24/7, but volume and volatility still rise in London and New York hours, so many traders use them as a filter.
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Updated: 2026-10-19