What is the cron expression for every 6 months?

Use 0 0 1 */6 * to run on January 1 and July 1. For specific months, use a list like 0 0 1 3,9 *.

Cron Every 6 Months (Semi-Annually)

0 0 1 */6 *

On day 1st of January and July at 12:00 AM

Next 10 Executions

Times shown in UTC

Wed, Jul 1, 202600:00
Fri, Jan 1, 202700:00
Thu, Jul 1, 202700:00
Sat, Jan 1, 202800:00
Sat, Jul 1, 202800:00
Mon, Jan 1, 202900:00
Sun, Jul 1, 202900:00
Tue, Jan 1, 203000:00
Mon, Jul 1, 203000:00
Wed, Jan 1, 203100:00

Field Breakdown

0

Minute

0

Hour

1

Day of Month

*/6

Month

Every 6 months

*

Day of Week

Every day of week

About This Schedule

The cron expression 0 0 1 */6 * triggers at midnight on the 1st of every 6th month — January 1 and July 1. This creates a semi-annual (twice-yearly) schedule.

Semi-annual schedules are used for biannual audits, half-year performance reviews, semi-annual license renewals, and major version update checks. Two runs per year is the right cadence for tasks that change slowly but still need periodic attention.

Note that */6 starts from month 1, so it hits January (1) and July (7). If you need different months — like March and September — use an explicit list: 0 0 1 3,9 *.