In email marketing, timing matters. Even the best email campaigns can fail if you send them at the wrong time.
The right send time helps you get more opens, more clicks, and better results. Factors like your target audience, their time zones, and the day of the week all play a role.
This guide shows you the best time to send emails based on real data and industry insights. Plus we will list real newsletter examples to show what works.
TL;DR: What's the Best Time to Send Email Newsletters?
If you're short on time and just want a quick answer, here it is:
- Best days: Tuesday and Thursday
- Best time: Between 9 AM – 11 AM (mid-morning)
- Why: Aligns with common work breaks and inbox-checking habits
- Works well for: Most email marketing campaigns, based on user habits and industry data
- Pro tip: Always test timing based on your target audience and specific industry to adjust for the best results
Why Timing Matters When Sending Email Newsletters
Sending a great marketing email is only half the job. The time you send it can be just as important. If you send it at the wrong time, your email might get ignored or lost.
But the right time can lead to higher email open rates, more clicks, and better conversion rates.
Even the best subject lines can’t save an email blast if it hits the inbox when people are asleep, in meetings, or offline.
That’s why email marketers need to think beyond the content and consider when their target audience is most likely to check email, often in the early morning or around lunchtime.
Before Sending: Identify Your Target Audience
So how do you figure out the best send time? To get the timing right, start by understanding your email list. Your best time to send depends on your particular audience’s habits.
Here’s how to learn more about them:
- Use automation tools (like MailTracker) to see when your subscribers open emails.
- Consider their lifestyle, job type, age, and daily routine all influence email behavior.
- Always account for time zones, and schedule your emails based on your audience’s local time, not yours.
Knowing your audience helps you adjust your send time, leading to higher engagement and better results from your email campaigns.
Best Times to Send Email Newsletters (By Day and Time)
Different days of the week can affect how well your email campaigns perform.
Below is a simple guide to the best days and optimal times to send an email, along with tips for what works best each day.
Monday
- Best time: 8 AM to 10 AM
- Why it works: Many professionals check their inbox first thing on Monday to plan their week.
Pro Tip: Keep your email marketing content organized and helpful, people are catching up from the weekend.
Tuesday
- Best time: 9 AM to 11 AM
- Why it works: It’s a productive day with high email engagement.
Pro Tip: Great day for important updates or promotions. A strong email subject line helps your email blast stand out.
Exploding Topics sends their weekly newsletter every Tuesday, packed with trending topics, insights, and analysis. Perfect for readers who are ready to dive into fresh, actionable content early in the week.
Wednesday
- Best time: 9 AM to 11 AM
- Why it works: It’s midweek, a stable time with fewer distractions.
Pro Tip: Share educational or thoughtful content, people are more focused.
Wonsulting often leverages Wednesday mornings to send career tips, how to write an email job application, and motivational stories, perfect timing for professionals who are midweek and looking to stay productive.
Thursday
- Best time: 9 AM to 11 AM
- Why it works: It’s a peak day for email marketing campaigns, especially for businesses.
Tip: Use this day to send industry insights or weekly roundups.
Friday
- Best time: 9 AM to 11 AM
- Why it works: People check emails early before winding down for the weekend.
To Consider: Keep your message short and light, think of quick reads or exclusive weekend offers.
Saturday
- Best time: Around 10 AM
- Why it works: Ideal for B2C emails, people have more free time.
Tip: Send promotional email blasts or shopping-related content.
Take Neil Patel’s newsletter as an example. He consistently sends his emails on Saturdays or Sundays, knowing his audience has the time to read, click, and engage on weekends.
Sunday
- Best time: Around 10 AM
- Why it works: A calm day for reflection or planning the week.
Tip: Share lifestyle content, newsletters, or relaxing reads. It's also a great day to test engagement, your audience may be more responsive than you think.
Here's an example of Zalando which often sends Sunday morning promos, pairing a relaxed shopping vibe with exclusive discount codes. Perfect timing for a laid-back scroll and spontaneous purchase.
Track and Optimize Your Emails with MailTracker
Want to make sure your emails land at the right time, and actually get opened? With MailTracker, you can:
- Track email opens and click-through rates in real time
- See exactly when your recipient opens your emails in Gmail
- Use built-in analytics to identify the best send times for your audience
- Adjust your email marketing strategy based on real behavior and results
Don’t just guess when to send, let the data guide you. Start using MailTracker for free to send smarter, more effective email campaigns.
FAQs About Best Time to Send Newsletters
When should you send an email newsletter?
Ideally, send newsletters during mid-morning hours (between 9 AM and 11 AM) on Tuesday or Thursday. However, the best time can vary depending on your audience’s habits and time zones.
What is the best day of the week to send email newsletters?
Tuesday and Thursday are considered the most effective days for sending newsletters. These days generally see higher open rates and more engagement.
How many times should you send a newsletter?
Sending a weekly newsletter is a solid choice for most businesses. It helps maintain regular contact with your audience without overwhelming their inbox. Depending on your content and audience, you might also consider bi-weekly or monthly emails. The key is to stay consistent and ensure each email campaign delivers value.
What is the statistically best time to send an email?
According to industry data, the best send time is typically between 9 AM and 11 AM, aligning with common work breaks and peak inbox activity.
What is the best time of day to send fundraising emails?
The most effective time to send fundraising emails is often early in the morning (around 8–10 AM) or in the evening, when recipients are more likely to reflect on causes and make decisions.
How can I improve my email marketing efforts?
Start by analyzing data from past email campaigns. Look at open rates, click rates, and best-performing send times. Use this data to determine the best time and content approach for future sends. A/B testing is also a powerful tool to refine your strategy.
Do send times vary across industries?
Yes, different industries have different email habits. For example, B2B emails may perform better midweek, while retail campaigns often work well closer to the weekend. Always test and optimize based on your industry’s trends and your own results.
