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McDonald’s is more than just a quick-service restaurant; it’s a destination for affordable food, refreshing beverages, and special deals. One of the most popular promotions at McDonald’s is Happy Hour, where customers can enjoy discounts on McCafé drinks, frappes, coffee, and select menu items.
In this 2026 guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about McDonald’s happy hour in the United States, including start times, drinks, deals, and how to make the most of this limited-time offer.
Many people search for mcdonald’s happy hour, happy hour at mcdonald’s, when is happy hour at mcdonald’s, and related terms to plan their visit.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick afternoon coffee or a frappé with friends, understanding McDonald’s happy hour times ensures you never miss a deal.
What is McDonald’s Happy Hour?
McDonald’s Happy Hour is a promotional period during which McDonald’s offers discounts on specific beverages, primarily McCafé drinks, iced coffees, frappes, and sometimes other popular menu items.
The promotion is available at participating locations across the U.S. and usually targets the afternoon hours, making it a perfect pick-me-up after lunch.
Happy Hour is not just about coffee—it includes select drinks, such as McCafé lattes, iced coffees, hot beverages, and occasionally special frappes. Some locations even offer small discounts on bacon items or limited-time menu items during Happy Hour.
When is Happy Hour at McDonald’s?
The standard McDonald’s happy hour in the United States usually runs from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM local time on weekdays. However, hours may vary depending on the location, city, and store type. Some McDonald’s locations may also offer late-night happy hour or weekend deals.
To get the most accurate timing for your local McDonald’s, it’s recommended to check the McDonald’s mobile app or the official store locator.
- Typical Hours: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Weekends: Some locations adjust slightly or offer limited deals
- 24-Hour Locations: May extend happy hour promotions or have additional discounts
McDonald’s Happy Hour Drinks & Deals
During happy hour, McDonald’s focuses on beverages, particularly from the McCafé menu. Some of the most popular deals include:
- Iced Coffee: Sweetened or unsweetened varieties, perfect for hot afternoons
- Frappes: Caramel, mocha, and seasonal flavors available at discounted prices
- Hot Coffee & Lattes: McCafé coffee drinks, lattes, and cappuccinos
- Beverage Combos: Some locations include discounted small snacks or bacon items with coffee purchases
The goal is to provide value for both regular customers and new visitors who may not usually purchase McCafé drinks. Happy Hour is particularly popular in urban areas and near offices, where people look for a quick and affordable afternoon pick-me-up.
McDonald’s Happy Meal Hours
In addition to drinks, some McDonald’s locations include Happy Meal promotions during Happy Hour. Parents can take advantage of deals on children’s meals, which often include small toys or extra discounts.
Timing for Happy Meals may vary slightly depending on store operations and local demand. For parents planning an afternoon visit, combining Happy Meal specials with beverage discounts is a great way to save.
McDonald’s Coffee Happy Hour & McCafé Deals
McCafé beverages are the centerpiece of McDonald’s Happy Hour. This includes frappes, iced coffees, lattes, and cappuccinos. Popular seasonal drinks are often featured, giving customers an opportunity to try limited-time offerings at discounted prices.
- McCafé Hot Drinks: Perfect for colder months
- Iced Beverages & Frappes: Popular during spring and summer
- Limited-Time Offers: Seasonal flavors like caramel brulée frappes or pumpkin spice lattes
Happy Hour Across the United States
While most McDonald’s locations follow the 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM schedule, some areas may vary based on local demand. Major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Miami often have earlier or extended happy hour times in high-traffic locations.
- Late-Night Happy Hour: Some 24-hour locations extend Happy Hour into the evening
- Weekend Variations: Deals may be offered slightly differently on Saturdays and Sundays
Using the McDonald’s App for Happy Hour
The McDonald’s mobile app is an excellent tool for accessing happy hour notifications. Customers can use the app to:
- Check real-time Happy Hour deals at their local store
- Pre-order McCafé drinks and frappes for pick-up
- Access exclusive digital-only promotions
- Get notifications for seasonal beverages during Happy Hour
By using the app, you can plan visits around your schedule, avoid long waits at drive-thru lanes, and always get the latest discounts.
Tips for Enjoying McDonald’s Happy Hour
- Arrive Early: Popular drinks can sell out at some locations.
- Check Participating Locations: Not every McDonald’s offers Happy Hour.
- Combine with Other Promotions: Pair Happy Hour with mcdonald lunch hours or seasonal deals.
- Use Drive-Thru or Mobile App: For faster service during peak hours.
- Try Seasonal Items: Frappes and limited-time McCafé drinks often return for Happy Hour.
People also ask
What time is McDonald’s happy hour?
Most locations run Happy Hour from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM on weekdays; times may vary by store.
Does every McDonald’s offer Happy Hour?
No, only participating locations include Happy Hour deals. Check your local store or McDonald’s app.
Can I get Happy Hour deals on food?
Typically, Happy Hour focuses on drinks, though some locations may include small snacks or bacon items.
Are seasonal beverages included in Happy Hour?
Yes, frappes, iced coffees, and limited-time McCafé drinks often feature discounts.
Can I order Happy Hour drinks via the McDonald’s app?
Yes, the app allows pre-ordering, pick-up, and sometimes exclusive digital discounts.
Final Thoughts
McDonald’s Happy Hour 2026 offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy discounted McCafé drinks, frappes, and coffee in the afternoon. Standard hours are typically 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM, but times can vary by city, location, and store type.
By planning your visit using the McDonald’s mobile app, checking local stores, and combining deals with lunch or seasonal items, you can maximize savings and enjoy your favorite beverages.
For more detailed McDonald’s timing, see our guides for mcdonald hours, mcdonald breakfast hours, mcdonald holiday hours, and mcdonald lunch hours.
Happy sipping during McDonald’s Happy Hour!
