Kubernetes CronJob Schedule Syntax
Write the schedule field of a Kubernetes CronJob. Build and verify a cron expression such as a weekly backup, then paste it into your manifest.
Part of the free Cron Expression Generator. Runs in your browser — nothing is uploaded.
Kubernetes CronJob Schedule Syntax
A Kubernetes CronJob takes a standard five-field expression in spec.schedule. Verify what it means here before applying the manifest, especially for backups and cleanup jobs that must not run at the wrong time.
Worked example: Weekly backup on Saturday at 03:00
Cron expression
spec: schedule: "0 3 * * 6"
In plain English
schedule: 0 3 * * 6 At 03:00 AM, only on Saturday
Practical tip
Set concurrencyPolicy to Forbid for jobs that must not overlap, and set a timeZone field (Kubernetes 1.27+) instead of assuming the controller's timezone.
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.
Kubernetes CronJob Schedule Syntax FAQs
What timezone does a Kubernetes CronJob use?
By default the timezone of the kube-controller-manager, often UTC. Since Kubernetes 1.27 you can set spec.timeZone explicitly.
Does Kubernetes support @daily?
Yes, macros like @daily, @hourly, @weekly and @monthly are accepted, but explicit expressions are clearer.
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.
- GitHub Actions Cron ScheduleWrite a GitHub Actions schedule trigger with cron syntax. Build and verify expressions for daily and hourly workflows. Remember: GitHub runs them in UTC.
- 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.