GitHub Actions Cron Schedule
Write a GitHub Actions schedule trigger with cron syntax. Build and verify expressions for daily and hourly workflows. Remember: GitHub runs them in UTC.
Part of the free Cron Expression Generator. Runs in your browser — nothing is uploaded.
GitHub Actions Cron Schedule
The schedule trigger in a GitHub Actions workflow takes a standard five-field cron expression. Test it here first, then paste it into the on: schedule: block of your workflow file.
Worked example: Daily at 06:00 UTC
Cron expression
on:
schedule:
- cron: '0 6 * * *'In plain English
cron: 0 6 * * * At 06:00 AM (UTC)
Practical tip
GitHub can delay scheduled runs under load, and the shortest interval is every 5 minutes. Scheduled workflows also run only on the default branch.
How to use this Cron Generator
- 1Use the live tool above — it runs entirely in your browser and never uploads your data.
- 2Paste the sample from the worked example, or use your own input.
- 3Copy the result, then adapt the same steps in your editor, script, or pipeline.
GitHub Actions Cron Schedule FAQs
What timezone does GitHub Actions cron use?
UTC only. Convert your local time to UTC when writing the expression.
Why did my scheduled workflow not run?
Check that the workflow file is on the default branch, the repo has had recent activity (public repos pause after 60 days of inactivity) and the cron syntax is valid.
More Cron Generator pages
- Cron Expression for Every 5 MinutesThe cron expression for every 5 minutes is */5 * * * *. See what it means, test variations and copy it into crontab, Kubernetes or GitHub Actions.
- Cron Expression to Run Every HourThe cron expression to run every hour is 0 * * * *. Learn what it means, how it differs from @hourly and how to change the minute.
- Cron Expression for Daily at MidnightThe cron expression for every day at midnight is 0 0 * * *. See what it means, how timezones affect it and how to schedule other daily times.
- Cron Expression for Every Monday at 9 AMThe cron expression for every Monday at 9 AM is 0 9 * * 1. Understand the day-of-week field and adapt it for other weekdays and times.
- Cron Expression for Weekdays During Business HoursSchedule a cron job every 30 minutes from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday, with */30 9-17 * * 1-5. See how ranges and steps combine.
- Cron Expression for the First Day of Every MonthThe cron expression for the first day of the month is 0 0 1 * *. Use it for monthly billing, reports and cleanup, and learn how to handle the last day.
- Kubernetes CronJob Schedule SyntaxWrite the schedule field of a Kubernetes CronJob. Build and verify a cron expression such as a weekly backup, then paste it into your manifest.
- Cron Expression for Every 30 MinutesThe cron expression for every 30 minutes is */30 * * * *, or 0,30 * * * * for the same result. Compare both forms and test your own schedule.
- Cron Expression for Every QuarterSchedule a cron job once a quarter with 0 0 1 1,4,7,10 *. See how month lists work and when quarterly reports will run.