Netlify Scheduled Functions Cron Syntax

Netlify Scheduled Functions Cron

Netlify scheduled functions run on a standard five-field cron expression, always evaluated in UTC. You declare the schedule either in code with the schedule() helper or in netlify.toml, and Netlify invokes the function on that cron.

Cron expression (minute hour day-of-month month day-of-week)

Declare in code

import { schedule } from '@netlify/functions';
export const handler = schedule('0 0 * * *', async () => { /* ... */ return { statusCode: 200 }; });

Daily at midnight UTC: 0 0 * * *. Every 15 minutes: */15 * * * *.

Or in netlify.toml

[functions."my-func"]
schedule = "@hourly" — presets like @hourly, @daily also work.

Everything is UTC

Netlify evaluates the cron in UTC with no timezone option. To run at 9 AM New York time, convert to the UTC hour yourself (and remember DST shifts it). This is the most common cause of 'my function ran an hour off'.

FAQ

What cron format do Netlify scheduled functions use?

Standard 5-field cron, always in UTC. Set it with the schedule() helper in code or a schedule key in netlify.toml.

Can I set a timezone for a Netlify scheduled function?

No — Netlify only evaluates cron in UTC. Convert your local time to the UTC hour yourself and account for daylight saving.

How do I run a Netlify function daily at midnight?

Use schedule('0 0 * * *', handler) in code, or schedule = "@daily" in netlify.toml. Both fire at 00:00 UTC.