Amazon deliveries usually arrive between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., but times may vary. Learn about delivery schedules, exceptions, and tips for managing your orders in this guide.
Table of Contents
An insane amount of home security videos showing “porch pirates” stealing Amazon packages around the internet surely makes you wonder how late Amazon delivers and when Amazon delivers packages at the latest.
If you don’t want your expensive package to be left outside unattended or if you are just impatient as you are waiting for your package, read on to find out what the estimated time on Amazon deliveries is.
How Late Does Amazon Deliver?
Amazon’s regular delivery time is between 8 am and 8 pm.
Amazon deliveries arrive between 4 and 5 business days in the US.
Amazon Prime users can get their packages in 2 business days for two-day deliveries.
Amazon Prime users who order one-day delivery can get their packages between 8 am and 10 pm.
Amazon delivery time for eligible packages can also be on Saturdays between 8 am and 10 pm.
Deliveries can also be done on Sundays between 9 am and 8 pm for packages that meet eligibility criteria.
Amazon Prime Now deliveries arrive between 6 am and midnight, seven days a week.
Prime Now is available for US-based customers. Amazon Prime Now offers one-hour and two-hour deliveries. Two-hour delivery is free and one-hour deliveries will be additionally charged at $7.99.
You can expect your package by 10 pm at the latest in case you have paid for Amazon same-day delivery. In the case of global shipping times, it may take up to:
13 business days for Amazon shipping to Canada
14 business days for Amazon shipping to Australia
20 business days for Amazon shipping to Asia
In case you ordered a priority delivery, and you live outside the US, it will take up to:
9 business days for Amazon shipping to Canada
7 business days for Amazon shipping to Australia
8 business days for Amazon shipping to Asia
If your package is late and it takes more than 5 business days to be delivered within the US, you can contact Amazon support and notify them about the problem.
How Do International Customs Procedures Affect Amazon Delivery Times?
If you’re waiting for your Amazon package to arrive from another country, keep in mind that international customs procedures can sometimes throw a wrench into delivery timelines. Customs officials have the important job of checking all incoming packages to make sure they comply with local laws and regulations—think compliance checks, documentation, and verifying package contents.
This process can add a layer of unpredictability to your wait, especially during busy periods like the holidays when customs offices might face significant backlogs. Packages may get held up for extra screening or additional paperwork, tacking days onto your expected delivery window.
So, while Amazon gives you an estimate, a particularly curious customs agent—or a mountain of holiday parcels—can mean you’ll need to exercise a bit more patience before your box arrives at your door.
If your package is late and it takes more than 5 business days to be delivered within the US, you can contact Amazon support and notify them about the problem.
Before you do, it’s a good idea to first track your package to get the latest update on its status. Here’s how you can check on your order:
Log in to your Amazon account.
Go to Your Orders and find the package in question.
Click on Track Package to view current shipping and delivery status.
Sometimes, a late delivery is caused by something as simple as an incorrect shipping address or outdated delivery instructions. Double-check that your details are accurate, and make sure your payment went through.
If you still haven’t received your package after these steps, it’s time to reach out to Amazon support:
Log in and scroll to the Help section at the bottom of the page.
Select A delivery, order, or return.
Describe your issue, and if necessary, click Contact Us to speak with a customer service representative.
Pro tip: Amazon recommends waiting up to 48 hours for late or unexpected deliveries, as packages sometimes show up just after the delivery window.
Does the Time You Place Your Order Matter?
Absolutely—the hour you click “buy” can make a big difference in how soon your package lands on your doorstep.
If you order early in the day, your item has a better chance of shipping out that same day, potentially speeding up delivery. Late-night purchases may not be processed until the next business day, which could delay shipment by a full day.
Want your package as fast as humanly possible? Place your order before Amazon’s daily shipping cut-off times (usually displayed at checkout). This way, you set yourself up for the swiftest delivery window available—especially if you’ve got Prime and are eyeing those one- or two-day shipping promises.
Timing isn’t everything, but it can shave a crucial 24 hours off your wait—and for the truly impatient (no judgment), that makes all the difference.
How Location Affects Your Amazon Delivery Time
Now, let's talk geography—because where you live plays a surprisingly big role in how fast your Amazon package lands on your doorstep. If you’re lucky enough to live close to an Amazon fulfillment center, odds are you’ll see your orders arriving quicker. That's because a shorter distance between your home and the warehouse means less time spent in trucks, planes, or on conveyor belts.
On the other hand, if you’re tucked away far from major cities or fulfillment hubs, expect a slower delivery. Remote areas typically have fewer delivery routes and less frequent pickups, which can push your estimated arrival date out by a day or two.
Here’s a quick rundown on what affects your shipping speed:
Close Proximity: Living near major fulfillment centers or metropolitan areas increases your chances of snagging same-day or next-day deliveries.
Remote/Outlying Regions: The farther away you are, the longer the logistical journey, which often means waiting an extra day or more for your package.
If you’re ever unsure, just check the estimated delivery date in your order summary before you finalize your purchase—Amazon’s pretty good about providing a real-time window based on your exact address.
Does Amazon Deliver on Holidays?
When it comes to holiday delivery, things get a bit trickier. While Amazon goes above and beyond to deliver packages almost every day of the year, there are certain holidays when your eagerly awaited box won't make it to your doorstep.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet so you’re not left anxiously refreshing your tracking info:
Holidays When Amazon Skips Deliveries
Major holidays when Amazon generally does not deliver include:
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
New Year’s Day
Memorial Day
Labor Day
Depending on the type of fulfillment, there are also additional days when deliveries might pause, especially with third-party fulfilled orders. These can include:
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Presidents’ Day (Washington’s Birthday)
Juneteenth National Independence Day
Independence Day
Columbus Day
Veterans Day
What About Holiday Evenings?
If you’re hoping for a late-evening delivery on New Year's Eve or Christmas Eve, Amazon typically reverts to their regular schedule and does not offer late-night drop-offs. So, expect deliveries between 8 am and 8 pm.
In short, while Amazon hustles hard for most of the year (and weekend), major U.S. holidays and their eves usually mean your package will take a well-deserved rest right along with you.
How Inventory Status Affects Amazon Delivery Times
While Amazon does its best to offer lightning-fast shipping, the actual timing of your delivery can hinge on whether the item you’ve ordered is currently in stock.
In-stock items: If what you want is available and sitting snugly in the warehouse, processing and shipping move at breakneck speed. This means your package can head out the door and arrive within those promised delivery windows—sometimes as soon as the same or next day if you’re a Prime member.
Backordered or out-of-stock items: If demand has outpaced supply and your item isn’t immediately available, expect delays. In these cases, shipping is paused until inventory is replenished, which could push out your order’s arrival by several days or even weeks.
So, if you’re counting down the hours to get your hands on that must-have gadget (and watching your front porch like a hawk), double-check the inventory status at checkout. It’s the difference between speedy gratification and an agonizing wait.
What Are the Delivery Time Restrictions for New Year’s Eve and Christmas Eve?
If you’re hoping to squeeze in a last-minute gift delivery on New Year’s Eve or Christmas Eve, keep in mind that Amazon sticks to its regular delivery window of 8 am to 8 pm on these holidays. There are no extended late-night deliveries—so if you’re tracking a package, don’t expect it to show up outside of those standard hours, even for Prime or expedited options. Plan ahead to avoid any holiday disappointment!
What Are the Conditions for Receiving a Shipping Refund from Amazon for Late Delivery?
If you’re tapping your foot waiting for your package and it doesn't arrive on time, you might be wondering if Amazon will give you your shipping money back. Good news: in many cases, you’re eligible for a shipping refund if your order shows up late—but there are some important conditions.
Here’s what you’ll need to check before counting on a refund:
Eligible Address: Your package must have been shipped to an address that qualifies for Amazon’s guaranteed delivery.
Shipping Option: You must have chosen the recommended shipping option for your selected item—usually the one highlighted on the product page.
Order Timing: Your order needs to be placed within the countdown window shown on the product page, which lets you know the “order by” cut-off for same-day or next-day delivery.
Successful Payment: Payment must have been processed and approved before checkout deadlines.
Amazon sets out more detailed eligibility rules in their “Guaranteed Delivery Terms and Conditions,” so it’s a smart move to check those before getting your hopes up.
Also, keep in mind that there are a few situations where Amazon won’t provide a shipping refund—even if your package is late. For example, delays due to extreme weather, natural disasters, or strikes are usually outside of Amazon’s control, so refunds aren’t offered for those cases.
If you meet the requirements and want to request a shipping refund, here’s a quick step-by-step:
Log in to your Amazon account and go to “Your Orders.”
Find the late order.
Choose “Problem with Order,” then select “Late Delivery.”
Request a refund and provide a brief reason.
After submitting your request, it may take up to 30 days for the refund to appear in your account.
Does Amazon Deliver Late on Saturday?
Yes, Amazon delivers packages late on Saturdays for deliveries that are eligible for weekend deliveries.
If you are expecting your package on a Saturday, Amazon may have it delivered between 8 am and 10 pm.
You can request a same-day delivery within your shipping options when making an order on Amazon.
Does Amazon Deliver Late on Sunday?
Amazon can deliver late on Sundays for eligible packages and orders.
Sunday deliveries are mostly done within metropolitan regions and in major cities.
Sunday deliveries are made possible via UPS, Amazon Flex drivers, and USPS. If you are expecting a package from Amazon on a Sunday, your package should arrive between 9 am and 8 pm.
Does Amazon Deliver Before 8 am?
Yes, Amazon delivers before 8 am if you are an Amazon Prime Now user.
If you are using Prime Now, you can expect your deliveries between 6 am and midnight, any day of the week, including weekends.
Amazon Prime Now also offers one-hour and two-hour deliveries within the US.
Does Amazon Deliver After 8 pm?
Yes, Amazon delivers eligible packages after 8 pm. You can get your Amazon package between 8 am and 10 pm if you are a Prime user. In case you are using Amazon Prime
Now, you can expect your deliveries by midnight.
You can also specify to have your Amazon package delivered in two hours or order a one-hour delivery if your location allows it.
Does Amazon Deliver after 10 pm?
Amazon can deliver packages after 10 pm for eligible packages that meet all the criteria.
If you are an Amazon Prime Now user, you can expect your package delivered between 6 am and midnight.
Users can also make one-hour and two-hour deliveries for eligible packages.
For those ordering via Amazon Fresh, deliveries are typically made between 8 am and 8 pm. Prime members can take advantage of convenient 2-hour delivery windows throughout the day, while non-Prime members can expect their groceries delivered within 5 hours of ordering.
Keep in mind, if you place your Amazon Fresh order after 6 pm, your delivery will be rescheduled for the following day.
Whether you’re relying on Amazon Prime Now for those ultra-fast one-hour or two-hour slots, or scheduling your Amazon Fresh groceries, you have a range of flexible options to get your essentials delivered right to your door.
How Late Does Amazon Deliver Groceries?
Amazon delivers groceries between 6 am and 8 pm from Monday to Saturday.
Amazon grocery deliveries on Sunday arrive between 9 am and 8 pm.
If you ordered groceries from Amazon late at night, your parcel may arrive by 10 pm at the latest.
If you are using Amazon Prime Now, you can order your groceries and have the parcel delivered between 6 am and midnight. Amazon groceries are also eligible for one-hour and two-hour deliveries across supported locations.
How Late Does Amazon Deliver Amazon Key Packages?
Amazon will deliver Key packages only within the standard delivery time between 8 am and 8 pm, not to risk theft or similar issues with Amazon Key deliveries.
Amazon Key Delivery securely delivers packages inside your home instead of having couriers leave your package on the porch.
You will be notified about the arrival of your package 4 hours before the delivery so you can be at home when the courier arrives.
Users also have the option to track their delivery live and in real-time with Amazon Key Delivery.
If you're curious about your package's status or want to keep tabs on its journey, Amazon makes tracking easy with a few simple steps:
Log in to your Amazon account.
Navigate to "Your Orders" and select the order you want to track.
Click on "Track Package" next to your order details.
Here, you’ll see up-to-date shipping and delivery information, so you know exactly where your parcel is and when to expect it.
This way, you can stay informed about your delivery every step of the way, whether it’s a standard drop-off or a secure Amazon Key Delivery right inside your home.
How Can You Update Amazon Delivery Preferences?
You can always update your Amazon delivery preferences on every new order to match your needs.
To update your Amazon delivery preferences, you need to go to the official Amazon app or visit the official website and access your account.
Follow our simple instructions to learn how to easily update your delivery preferences:
1. You can change your preferences either during the checkout or when you are changing your shipping address.
2. When making an order or changing address, select the option Add delivery instructions.
3. A new window will appear so you can set your preferences.
4. Remember to click on Save after you have entered all the details to save your Amazon delivery preferences.
5. You can always change the preferences on different orders.
If you choose No preferences you will be left a card with info to pick up your package in case you are not home when the package is delivered.
In case you opt for a delivery to your neighbor’s house, you need to provide the correct address. The neighbor needs to live next door.
If there is no one to collect the package, the courier will leave a card for you to collect the parcel.
In many cases, the driver will also leave your parcel at your doorstep or in a secure location if that’s considered safe. However, if your order requires a signature or your presence, the driver will attempt to contact you and won’t leave the package unless you’re available.
If delivery isn’t possible, Amazon will usually re-attempt delivery up to three times on successive days. Should all attempts fail, your parcel will be returned to the retailer and you’ll receive a refund.
How Many Times Will Amazon Attempt Delivery If You’re Not Home?
If you happen to miss your Amazon delivery, don’t stress—Amazon will try up to three separate delivery attempts on three consecutive days to get your package to you.
In cases where a signature or your presence is required, couriers won’t leave your package unattended. Instead, they’ll either try again later or get in touch to arrange a more convenient time.
If all three attempts are unsuccessful, your order will be returned, and you’ll receive a refund.
You’ll also receive a notification—either in your Amazon account, by email, or both—so you’ll always know if your package is waiting, being redelivered, or heading back to the sender.
Some orders are eligible for an unattended delivery, so you can choose that your parcel is delivered on your porch.
You can specify the exact location to keep the package hidden from porch pirates.
You can select to get your parcel at an Amazon pickup location if eligible for that option, and you can also add an access security code and add weekends as your delivery preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the latest time Amazon delivers?
While Amazon’s delivery window typically falls between 8am and 8pm, there have been instances where customers have received packages as late as 10pm or even later.
The exact delivery time can vary based on several factors including the volume of packages, route efficiency, and the specific courier service handling the delivery.
High package volume—especially during busy seasons or sales events—can strain carriers, leading to delays that push delivery times later into the evening. Additionally, the ability of the carrier to navigate delivery locations, optimize routes, and stick to scheduled stops plays a big role in how late your package arrives.
So, while most deliveries happen within the standard timeframe, don’t be surprised if your package shows up after dark, particularly during peak periods or when there’s a surge in local deliveries.
How late at night does Amazon deliver?
In most cases, Amazon does not deliver beyond 10pm.
However, during busy seasons or unforeseen delays, packages might be delivered later.
If you’re expecting a package late at night and haven’t received a notification of delivery, it’s a good idea to check your Amazon account for any updates or contact Amazon customer service.
It’s important to note that delivery times can be especially unpredictable during peak seasons such as holidays, Black Friday, or Prime Day.
High order volumes during these events put extra strain on fulfillment centers and the entire logistics network. With so many packages being processed and delivered, delays become more common, and couriers may need to extend their delivery windows to accommodate the increased demand.
This can sometimes push deliveries later into the evening, or even beyond the usual cutoff times.
Additionally, the so-called “last mile” of delivery—the final leg from the local facility to your door—becomes more challenging as drivers work to reach multiple addresses in a short timeframe. So, if your package is running late during one of these busy periods, rest assured you’re not alone.
Does Amazon deliver at night?
While the majority of Amazon deliveries occur during the daytime, there are instances where packages are delivered during the evening or night hours, especially in urban areas or during peak seasons.
Does Amazon deliver 24 hours?
Amazon does not typically offer 24-hour delivery. However, they do offer services like Amazon Prime Now in certain cities, which promises deliveries within a few hours of ordering, sometimes even late at night.
Still, it’s not a round-the-clock delivery service.
What time does Amazon deliver on Friday and Thursday?
On Fridays and Thursdays, Amazon generally follows the same delivery window as other weekdays, which is between 8am and 8pm. However, the exact time can vary based on the courier’s route, package volume, and other logistical factors.
What if Prime Now is late?
If your Prime Now delivery is late, you should first check the tracking information provided in your Amazon account. If there’s no update, or if the delay is significant, you can contact Amazon customer service.
They may provide compensation in the form of an Amazon courtesy credit or other solutions based on the situation and their policies.
How to Request a Refund for a Late Amazon Delivery
If your package shows up later than promised, you might be eligible for a refund. The process is straightforward—here’s what you need to do:
Sign in to your Amazon account and head to Your Orders.
Locate the order that arrived late.
Click on Problem with Order next to the relevant item.
Choose the option that indicates your delivery was late.
Follow the prompts to submit your refund request, including a brief explanation of the issue.
Amazon will review your request and get back to you, often fairly quickly. If approved, the refund will be processed to your original payment method.
Don’t forget: For Prime orders, you may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as courtesy credits, depending on the circumstances. If you run into any trouble during the process, reach out to Amazon customer service—they’re typically responsive and eager to help.
What circumstances would make an order ineligible for a late delivery refund?
Not every late delivery qualifies for a shipping refund, so it’s helpful to know when Amazon won’t issue one. Most importantly, your order must meet all of Amazon’s eligibility requirements for shipping guarantees:
Delivery must be to an address eligible for guaranteed delivery.
You must select the recommended shipping speed displayed on the product page.
Your order must be placed within the time window noted (the countdown timer) and your payment completed before the stated deadline.
However, even if you’ve done everything right, there are situations where a refund isn’t possible. For example, refunds aren’t given if a late arrival was due to circumstances outside of Amazon’s control, such as:
Extreme weather events (like snowstorms and hurricanes)
Strikes disrupting delivery services
Natural disasters causing delays
Before expecting a shipping refund, it’s a good idea to review Amazon’s guaranteed delivery terms and conditions for the most current details. Even with a delay, some orders may be excluded for reasons like these, so always check the fine print!
Senior Marketing Consultant
Michael Leander is an experienced digital marketer and an online solopreneur.