It is the hiking season!

I know what you’re thinking. Does hiking have a season? Can’t one just put on their hiking boots and hit the trails whenever they feel like it? While one can do that, there are periods that are better suited for hiking than others. The most important consideration here being the weather pattern and the area you intend to explore.

Is there a hiking season?

Life generally is about preference and what makes us comfortable. Are you comfortable hiking when it’s too hot, cold, wet or dry? I know I am comfortable hiking from the beginning of autumn until mid or end of spring. This because I want to avoid extreme heat and thunderstorms. There are areas such as the Drakensberg, that I won’t hike in winter at all, and there are those such as Magoebaskloof, that I cannot attempt in summer.

So, my answer to the above question is each to their own. However, because this blog is meant to guide you so you can start hiking and enjoy it, I’m going to share information for different seasons of the year. The information shared applies regardless of whether you’re planning for a day, weekend or multiday hike. And if you are in South Africa, there are options to keep you moving throughout the year because with its various climatic regions and diverse landscapes, this country has a trail for every season.

Autumn

This is when I dust off my hiking boots and prepare to hit the trails, including multiday trails. As the leaves start falling off trees and the temperatures drop, hiking becomes even more enjoyable in many areas. This means you have chilly mornings, which make hiking enjoyable, and if you’re hiking in a place with rockpools and waterfalls, you still get to enjoy them before it gets too cold.

Winter

Winter is my favourite hiking season. For those who always ask about snakes, we all know that they hibernate in winter, so, now there’s no excuse. While the days are shorter, hiking in winter can be very pleasant as you will not be dealing with issues such as dehydration or exhaustion due to extreme heat. Just don’t make the mistake of bringing all your winter clothes to the trail. Once you start walking, you will forget it’s winter. Dress in layers, and preferably with a light jacket that you can easily remove as your body warms up. 

Spring

Hiking in spring must be the most rewarding as most areas have flowers in full bloom. If you’re in the Karoo and the Western Cape, hiking in spring means being greeted by carpets of beautiful flowers. I keep promising myself a spring hike in the Karoo, just for the flowers! It is still advisable to check the weather and have appropriate gear, including a light rain jacket in case of a drizzle. And enjoy the rockpools where available and it’s safe to swim.

Summer

Not my favourite time to hike, but it is still doable and enjoyable. My advice will be to start as early as possible, so you finish before the heat gets extreme. Wear a hat and have enough water. Check the weather for possible rain and always have a light rain jacket. And where there are rockpools, enjoy them. Just make sure it’s safe and that you can swim.

Enjoying the swim in summer: Photo by Otsile Kole

In conclusion

There are those who believe that with proper gear, weather should not be an issue. Personally, I wouldn’t risk being in nature where inclement weather is expected. And that is just me! South Africa offers trails for every season. Just understand the weather pattern of areas you intend exploring on foot and keep doing!

 

Td