When Is Hiking Season?
When planning hiking trips, I usually trip to avoid times when hiking and camping sites will be too crowded. There are times when most people go out hiking, and times when the destinations are almost empty. So when is hiking season?
Most people go hiking between late spring and early fall, when the weather is comfortable and the temperatures are mild. The hiking season in your region is determined by the climate and the weather on any given day.
Of course, the specific typical dates where people go out hiking depends on the area where you live. So let’s dive into the specifics.
What time of year is best for hiking?
While most people hike between late spring and early fall, the specific time of year which is best for hiking for you is up for preference. Let’s consider the different aspects.
Weather is the first and most important consideration. Some experienced hikers prefer cold temperatures, and enjoy hiking in rough weather. Most people prefer to hike in milder temperatures, usually in summertime.
You’re probably wear different clothing based on season. Hiking in colder temperatures does require planning ahead, and getting special equipment and clothing to keep you dry and warm. Hiking in hot temperatures usually require sun protection and breathable materials.
The landscape is also affected the weather, so you’re going to see a significantly different view in different time of year. In the spring, for example, you’ll see greener scenery and blooming flower. In the winter you can see snowy terrains. Based on your landscape preference, you might prefer hiking in some time of year rather than another.
Another important consideration is how crowded hiking destinations in your area are going to be, based on time of year. As I mentioned above, hiking season is usually between late spring and early fall. That’s when most people go out hiking. If you prefer to have more privacy, and see nature without interruption, you’ll probably prefer to go off-season. If you like travelling in groups, you might prefer on-season hikes when your friends are likely to join.
Generally, hiking can be an all-year hobby, but people do tend to go out to nature more based on time of year. The experience will be different based on the time of year, so you may enjoy a variety of hiking styles and landscapes.
Do people hike in the winter?
Though most hikers travel throughout the season, winter hiking remains popular, particularly among more experienced hikers who enjoy the winter weather and landscape. Hiking in the cold entails the use of suitable clothing, equipment, and supplies.
If you like winter landscape and cold temperatures, you might enjoy winter hiking. When temperatures are relatively mild the scenery is most wintery, but when temperatures drop the landscape becomes snowy and icy.
People who hike in winter use weatherproof gear and clothing to stay warm. This specialized winter clothes should be warming but still light and non restricting. sleeping bags and tents usually have a temperature limit, so to winter hike you’ll also need gear that fits the temperature range.
Winter hiking does require different planning. You walk slower on ice and snow and with additional gear. The days are quite shorter in winter, which should be taken into account. Weather and conditions can be dangerous in winter, so before going out hiking check and minimize risks.
What temperature is best for hiking?
The best temperatures for hiking are between 50 and 66 degrees Fahrenheit (10 and 19 degrees Celsius). Higher temperatures can make trekking more difficult, as well as increase the danger of dehydration and heat stroke. Lower temperatures necessitate the use of winter clothing and, if too low, can be harmful.
Generally, high temperatures make hiking more difficult, especially for unfit hikers and hikers unaccumulated with such temperatures((Linsell, Joshua D et al. “Hiking Time Trial Performance in the Heat with Real-Time Observation of Heat Strain, Hydration Status and Fluid Intake Behavior.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 17,11 4086. 8 Jun. 2020, doi:10.3390/ijerph17114086)). On especially high temperatures, it can even become dangerous, since the risk of dehydration and heat strokes becomes significant.
Low temperatures require using winter clothing, to protect the hiker from the elements.
How cold is too cold to hike?
As a general rule, temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) are too cold to hike for most people. Hiking in such conditions necessitates special clothes, equipment, and expertise.
While expert can still hike in extremely low temperatures, with special equipment and clothing, for most people this can be very dangerous. On extremely cold weather you can be susceptible to hypothermia and frostbites((It’s recommended to at least have indoor breaks in temperatures below 31 degrees Fahrenheit)), which can be fatal((CDC information on hypothermia and frostbite prevention)).
Hikers who go out hiking in low temperatures wear multiple layer of clothing, warm gloves, thick socks, weatherproof boots, and more. They also have special gear for camping, for example low temperature rated sleeping bags, insulating sleeping pads and more.
How hot is too hot to hike?
Hiking is typically not recommended when the temperature exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius). Hiking is a strenuous outdoor sport, and excessive temperatures can lead to heat stroke and dehydration, both of which are very dangerous.
Based on the heat index((The heat index categorizes temperature and relative humidity into hazard levels.)), you should be cautious when outdoors at temperatures about 80 degrees Fahrengheit, especially if exposed to direct sunlight. At temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrengheit Heat stroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion are possible when outside for a long time. This can be very dangerous.
When hiking at relatively high temperatures it’s important to keep hydrated, so hikers typically carry additional water with them. To keep safe from the sun, hikers need to wear a hat and use sunscreen.
Conclusions
In this post, we’ve detailed when hiking season is, and what is the best time to go hiking. It’s all up for preference. Still, if you enjoy hiking, it can be an all-year activity. Both hiking on-season and off-season have their respective benefits.
Generally, avoid hiking in extreme temperatures unless you absolutely know what you’re doing. Mild temperatures between 50 and 66 degrees Fahrenheit seem to be optimal.
