What is the best season to hike? That’s a difficult question to answer. Although hiking season generally runs from late spring through early fall, there is no perfect time to hike. As British explorer, writer, and poet, Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes, said, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.” Here are the pros and cons of hiking by season:
Summer
Pros
- No need to carry lots of layers as weather is usually warm
- Lots of daylight hours, which allows for longer hikes
Cons
- Large crowds and limited parking
- Insects
- Can get very hot at low elevations or above tree-lines, so carry extra water to avoid dehydration
- If hiking high elevation, temperature at summit can be unpredictably chilly
- Higher chances of encountering wildlife
- Higher chances of thunder and lightning
Fall
Pros
- Beautiful fall foliage
- More comfortable temperatures for hiking
- Higher chances of changing weather
- Higher chances of wildfires
Cons
- Less daylight hours than in the summer
- Need to carry extra layers as changes in temperature can occur and it can get chilly at higher elevations, especially on the summits
- In late fall, fallen leaves can obstruct hiking path creating a higher risk of tripping and falling
Winter
Pros
- Fewer people
- No leaves on trees to obstruct views
Cons
- Need to carry lots of layers and winter gear such as hand/foot warmers, snow shoes with treads, and ice axes
- Very little daylight hours so make sure to carry flashlight or opt for shorter hikes
- Snowy and icy conditions can make it very slippery and obstruct hiking path
- Hiking path can be muddy from melting snow and ice
Spring
Pros
- Milder temperatures
- Lots of daylight hours
- Blooming wildflowers
Cons
- Need to carry extra layers and raingear
- Path can be muddy from rain and melting snow
- Higher risk of avalanches
Verdict
I personally love to hike in all seasons but my preference is when temperatures are about 50 – 60 degrees Fahrenheit. One thing to keep in mind is that temperatures vary depending on location and elevation. We encountered some extreme weather while hiking on Mount Washington in June, for instance, and had some beautiful sunny days during some winter hikes. Always check the forecast in the morning before heading to the mountain and layer-up accordingly.
Happy hiking!
