McDonald’s is one of the most recognizable fast-food chains in the world, known for its convenience, affordability, and wide availability. Whether you’re grabbing breakfast on the way to work, stopping by for lunch, or craving a late-night snack, knowing McDonald’s hours can help you plan your visit better. While many locations operate with similar schedules, hours can vary depending on location, day, and services offered.
This guide covers everything you need to know about McDonald’s hours today, including breakfast times, drive-thru hours, holiday schedules, and how to find accurate hours near you.
What Are McDonald’s Regular Hours?
Most McDonald’s locations operate with standard daily hours, but there is no single schedule that applies to every restaurant. In general, McDonald’s regular hours are:
Opening time: Around 5:00 AM or 6:00 AM
Closing time: Between 11:00 PM and midnight
Some locations, especially those in busy areas, may stay open later or operate 24 hours a day.
Because many restaurants are franchise-owned, McDonald’s store hours can differ based on local demand and staffing.
Keywords used: McDonald’s hours, McDonald’s regular hours, McDonald’s store hours
McDonald’s Breakfast Hours
Breakfast is one of McDonald’s most popular offerings, making McDonald’s breakfast hours a common search query.
Typically, McDonald’s serves breakfast:
From opening time until 10:30 AM on weekdays
Until 11:00 AM on weekends
Locations that are open 24 hours usually begin serving breakfast at 5:00 AM. After breakfast hours end, the menu transitions to lunch and dinner items.
Keep in mind that breakfast availability depends on McDonald’s opening hours at your specific location.
McDonald’s Lunch and Dinner Hours
Lunch service usually begins right after breakfast ends. Most McDonald’s locations start serving lunch items around 10:30 AM or 11:00 AM.
Dinner service continues until closing time, making McDonald’s a convenient option for late meals. Understanding McDonald’s closing hours is especially helpful if you’re planning a late-night visit.
24-Hour McDonald’s Locations
Some McDonald’s restaurants operate 24 hours a day, particularly those near highways, airports, hospitals, or large cities. These locations offer continuous service, although menu availability may be limited during late-night hours.
Even at 24-hour locations, certain services like dine-in may close overnight while the drive-thru remains open. Always check McDonald’s hours near me to confirm.
McDonald’s Drive-Thru Hours
For many customers, the drive-thru is the most convenient way to order. McDonald’s drive-thru hours often extend later than dine-in hours.
In some cases:
The dining room may close at 10:00 PM
The drive-thru remains open until midnight or later
At 24-hour locations, drive-thru service is usually available all night, even if indoor seating is closed.
McDonald’s Holiday Hours
McDonald’s hours on holidays can vary significantly. While many locations remain open, hours may be reduced depending on the holiday.
Holidays When McDonald’s Is Often Open:
New Year’s Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Holidays With Reduced or Varying Hours:
Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve
Holidays When Some Locations May Close:
Christmas Day
Because holiday schedules are determined by individual franchise owners, checking McDonald’s holiday hours ahead of time is essential.
How McDonald’s Hours Vary by Location
Several factors influence McDonald’s opening and closing hours, including:
Franchise ownership
Local customer demand
City or state regulations
Store location (urban vs rural)
Staffing availability
For example, McDonald’s restaurants near colleges or entertainment districts often stay open later than those in suburban areas.
How to Check McDonald’s Hours Near You
To find the most accurate and up-to-date information, use one of the following methods:
1. McDonald’s Official Website
The store locator provides detailed information about McDonald’s hours today for each location.
2. McDonald’s Mobile App
The app shows current hours, menu availability, and allows mobile ordering.
3. Google Maps
Searching “McDonald’s hours near me” often displays updated opening and closing times.
4. Call the Restaurant
Calling directly is the most reliable way to confirm hours, especially during holidays or special events.
Late-Night and Overnight Service
Late-night service is a major advantage of McDonald’s. Even at non–24-hour locations, many restaurants stay open later than other fast-food chains.
Late-night menus may be limited, but popular items like burgers, fries, and drinks are usually available. Checking McDonald’s late-night hours helps avoid disappointment.
Tips for Visiting McDonald’s at the Right Time
To make your visit smoother, keep these tips in mind:
Check store hours before heading out
Arrive early for breakfast items
Expect limited menus late at night
Use the mobile app to confirm availability
Be aware of holiday schedule changes
Final Thoughts on McDonald’s Hours
McDonald’s hours are designed to provide flexibility and convenience for customers, whether they’re stopping by early in the morning or late at night. While many locations follow similar schedules, hours can vary based on location, service type, and holidays.
To ensure the best experience, always check your local McDonald’s hours near you before visiting. With a little planning, McDonald’s remains a reliable dining option any time of day.