How Early Should You Start a Hike?
Start time is a critical yet often underestimated aspect of hiking planning. Beginning a hike too late can expose hikers to weather instability, time pressure, and fatigue-related decision-making, while starting too early may introduce its own challenges.
This article explains how to determine the optimal start time for a hike based on terrain, conditions, and objectives.
Why Start Time Matters
The time you begin a hike influences:
Exposure to weather changes
Daylight availability
Trail congestion
Energy management
A well-chosen start time creates a buffer for unexpected delays.
Daylight and Seasonal Considerations
Daylight duration varies significantly throughout the year:
Short winter days require precise timing
Long summer days allow flexibility but increase heat exposure
Always plan the hike around available daylight, not convenience.
Weather Patterns and Timing
In mountainous regions:
Mornings are often more stable
Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer
Wind tends to increase later in the day
Early starts reduce exposure to typical weather risks.
Terrain and Technical Factors
Certain terrain demands early starts:
Exposed ridges
Summit pushes
Snow or ice crossings
Completing technical sections earlier in the day improves safety.
Temperature Management
Start time affects thermal comfort:
Early starts reduce heat stress
Late starts may expose hikers to peak temperatures
Cold mornings require proper layering
Balance warmth, comfort, and efficiency.
Group Size and Pace
Larger groups move slower and benefit from:
Earlier departures
Larger time buffers
Group dynamics should influence start-time decisions.
Logistics and Transport Constraints
Consider:
Public transport schedules
Parking access
Hut departure times
Transport logistics often dictate the earliest feasible start.
Common Start-Time Mistakes
Starting based on convenience
Underestimating total duration
Ignoring afternoon weather risks
Planning with no margin for delays
Most time-related issues stem from late starts.
Practical Start-Time Guidelines
As a general rule:
Start early when weather is uncertain
Start earlier for longer or technical hikes
Build extra margin for unfamiliar routes
When in doubt, start earlier.
Final Thoughts
An early start is one of the simplest and most effective risk-management tools in hiking. It increases flexibility, improves safety, and reduces time pressure throughout the day.
A good start time sets the tone for the entire hike.
