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How Long Can Eggs Sit Out?

In the U.S., cooked eggs and egg dishes should not sit out more than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90 F. Shell-egg advice depends on handling.

Direct answer

In the United States, cooked eggs and egg dishes should not sit out for more than 2 hours, or more than 1 hour above 90 F. Refrigerated shell eggs should be returned to the refrigerator promptly and should not be treated like shelf-stable pantry food. If eggs or egg dishes sat out overnight, discard them.

cooked eggs or egg dishes = 2 hours max; 1 hour above 90 F

Egg sit-out timing

Cooked eggs or egg dishes, 2 hours or less

Eat or refrigerate promptly

Within FDA timing

Cooked eggs or egg dishes, more than 2 hours

Discard

Past the safe window

Above 90 F for more than 1 hour

Discard

Hot conditions shorten the limit

U.S. refrigerated shell eggs left out briefly

Return to fridge promptly

U.S. eggs are handled as refrigerated food

Eggs left out overnight

Discard

Too much uncertainty and time

U.S. egg handling matters

Advice from countries where eggs are not washed and refrigerated the same way can confuse U.S. consumers. For U.S. store-bought eggs, use refrigeration-based guidance.

Handle eggs safely

  1. 1Keep U.S. store-bought shell eggs refrigerated.
  2. 2Serve cooked eggs and egg dishes immediately or refrigerate within 2 hours.
  3. 3Use the 1-hour rule when temperatures are above 90 F.
  4. 4Pack cooked eggs with a cold source for school, work, or travel.
  5. 5Discard eggs or egg dishes that sat out overnight.

FAQ

Are eggs safe if left out overnight?

In the United States, do not use refrigerated eggs or cooked egg dishes left out overnight. Cooked eggs and egg dishes should not sit out more than 2 hours.

Do hard-boiled eggs follow the same 2-hour rule?

Yes. Hard-boiled eggs are cooked eggs and should not be left unrefrigerated for more than 2 hours, or more than 1 hour above 90 F.

Why do eggs sit out in some countries but not in the U.S.?

Egg handling systems differ by country. U.S. store-bought eggs are generally washed and refrigerated, so U.S. refrigerator-based guidance should be followed.

Sources & method

We reviewed these references while writing this answer. Figures are estimates — confirm safety-critical work with a professional. Last updated June 7, 2026.