diff --git a/src/backend/access/transam/xlog.c b/src/backend/access/transam/xlog.c
index b974b3d438a..9d160daa6ce 100644
--- a/src/backend/access/transam/xlog.c
+++ b/src/backend/access/transam/xlog.c
@@ -6442,7 +6442,7 @@ HotStandbyActive(void)
 bool
 HotStandbyActiveInReplay(void)
 {
-	Assert(AmStartupProcess());
+	Assert(AmStartupProcess() || !IsPostmasterEnvironment);
 	return LocalHotStandbyActive;
 }