The best time for cold calling: Morning or afternoon?

The best time for cold calling: Morning or afternoon?

You’ve got your list of prospects, a solid call script, and plenty of motivation. But… when is the best time to pick up the phone? Is morning the right time to call companies, or should you wait until the afternoon?

At LeadMasters International, we handle telephone acquisition for B2B companies across Europe every single day. One thing is certain: timing can make all the difference between a “Sorry, no time” and a valuable sales conversation.

Why timing matters in cold calling

Effective phone acquisition takes more than a good pitch. You also need to align with your prospect’s daily rhythm. Call at the wrong moment, and your contact may be distracted, rushed, or simply unavailable.

Great phone acquisition comes down to two things:

• The right message
• The right moment

Morning cold calls: High focus, low distraction

Many sales professionals start their day by calling new leads—and for good reason.

Benefits of morning calls:

1. Decision-makers are more likely to be available
2. Fewer distractions from meetings or emails
3. More mental focus and clarity
4. You still have the rest of the day for follow-up

Best time slot: Between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM
 This is when people are fresh but not yet overwhelmed with tasks.

Afternoon cold calls: Less competition, more flexibility

The afternoon can also be a great time for cold calling, especially if you plan it right.

Benefits of afternoon calls:

1. Less competition from other callers
2. Prospects are usually past the morning rush
3. Conversations can be more relaxed and open

Best time slot: Between 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM
 After lunch, people tend to be more receptive and available.

Know your audience’s rhythm

The best time to call also depends on your target industry and the role of your contact. A marketing manager may have a very different schedule than a technical director or HR professional.

Our tip: Track and test. Block different time slots in your agenda and evaluate when your calls are most successful. At LeadMasters, we do this as standard practice—because strategic calling = better results.

Consistency is key

Whether you call in the morning or the afternoon, one thing is crucial: consistency. Cold calling only works when you plan it regularly and follow through.

• Block time in your schedule
• Use a clear structure
• Track your follow-ups

This ensures your acquisition stays on track—and delivers results.

Want to outsource your cold calling?

If you don’t have the time, resources, or confidence to manage phone acquisition yourself, we’ve got you covered. At LeadMasters International, we take over the process entirely—calling in your name, with your message, at the right time.

1. Focused on warm and cold leads
2. Experienced in B2B phone acquisition
3. Personal, result-driven approach

Want to learn more? Get in touch for a free consultation.
 We make the calls. You grow.