Morning Walks vs Evening Walks in the Summer
This post is part of our Summer of Simple Walking series. Check out the intro post
for more information and links to other helpful posts.
During the chilly winter months, I always look forward to summer walks—when I don’t have to wear all of those extra layers or worry about icy patches on the trail. And, for a week or two, it really is blissful: those early summer days, when even the warmest part of the day is great for a walk. But then real summer hits, and those perfect summer walks turn into hot, sweaty, tired walks. And that’s when I start dreaming of crisp September mornings.
When summer heats up, walkers tend to divide into two camps: early-morning walkers and evening walkers.
Which one is better? Well, that depends on you—on what works best for your body, your routines, and your personal preferences.
To help you decide which camp you fall into, let’s take a look at the pros and cons, the benefits and challenges of each one.
SUMMER MORNING WALKS
There’s something about the peace of a morning walk. In the summer, the air feels cooler, and the trails are often quieter—and it’s just a great way to start the day.
The Pros:
Cooler Temperatures
If you’re looking to avoid the summer heat and humidity, morning is the best time to go for a walk. Before the sun gets hotter and the air gets more humid, walks feel a little more bearable.
Check It off Your List
Starting your day with a walk means that you get your movement in before the day’s chaos sets in. The longer you wait, the more reasons you’ll have to put it off until a better, less chaotic, time of day. (Spoiler alert: that time will never come.)
It’s a Great Energy Boost to Start the Day
I always feel ready to face the day after a walk. A walk to start the day will help you wake up and feel more focused and less groggy. There’s nothing like a little bit of sunshine and fresh air to make you feel like there’s nothing you can’t do.
Coffee Walks Make Every Day Better
I can’t think of a better way to start the day than by going for an easy walk while sipping your morning iced coffee.
The Cons:
Early Alarms
I am not a morning person. At all. I would prefer to get up at the crack of…nine or ten. And if you’re also not a morning person, that earlier alarm can feel more like punishment than a pleasant way to start the day. It can also mean that your body just isn’t quite ready to get moving.
Busy Mornings
Mornings can be a busy time for families. Some are getting ready for work. Some are getting ready for camps or other activities. There are breakfasts to eat (and clean up after). It can be a little chaotic. And adding a walk to the chaos can just add to the stress.
SUMMER EVENING WALKS
Evening walks just hit a little differently than morning walks. After another hot summer day, the temperatures start to cool, the sun starts to set, and a walk can be the perfect way to unwind.
The Pros:
Time to Unwind
An evening walk can help your mind and body wind down at the end of another hectic day. It can help you clear your head, walk away the stress, and get yourself ready for a relaxing evening and a good night’s sleep.
That Golden Hour Glow
There’s just something about the colorful glow of sunset to put everything in a different light. Add some of your favorite things—like a friend, your family, a refreshing drink, or a favorite podcast—and it feels less like something on your to-do list and more like self-care.
Easier to Invite a Friend
It’s not always easy to get a friend out for an early-morning walk. But at the end of the day, we could all use some time away to chat with a good friend—or go on a walk with the family. Your evening walk could be an after-dinner stroll to catch up on your spouse’s day (or your kids’ day at camp). It can be time to chat with a friend or neighbor. And social walks feel like the best kind of multi-tasking.
The Cons:
Summer Schedules Can Be Crazy
Our whole Summer of Simple Walking series was inspired by the fact that summer can be crazy. Schedules are unpredictable and all over the place. These days, if someone asks about my schedule for next week…or next month, I tend to tell them, “I haven’t thought that far in advance. Right now I’m just trying to get through today.” So, admittedly, evenings can be tricky. You might think you’ll have time every evening for a walk, but…things change. Or get in the way.
Summer Heat Might Refuse to Surrender
While temperatures tend to drop more overnight, it takes a little longer for the heat and humidity to die down in the evening. Depending on where you live, it could still be pretty steamy at sunset and beyond.
You Just Might Not Feel Like It
That evening walk might sound amazing in theory—but when it actually comes time to lace up those shoes, your motivation might be lacking. After a long day, you might just be tempted to curl up on the couch and binge Netflix instead.
Which Is Better for You?
When it comes to choosing the best time of day for a walk, there is no right or wrong answer. The only right time to walk is the time that’s right for you.
So how do you choose what time is best for you? Here are some things to consider:
You might be a Morning Walk Person if:
– you wake up ready to take on the day
– you prefer cooler temperatures
– you’d like a little bit of people to start your day
– your evening schedules are unpredictable
You might be an Evening Walk Person if:
– mornings in your house are hectic
– your body just doesn’t function in the morning
– you want to wind down at the end of the day
– you enjoy walks with friends
Maybe you fall firmly on one side—or maybe it depends on the day. Maybe the right time for you will be different tomorrow than it was today. And that’s okay!
The nice thing about walking is that it can be done at any time. And, this summer, we’re all about being flexible with our routines. So whether you’re enjoying a cup of coffee with your morning walk or a chat with a friend at sunset—or even squeezing a Walking Snack into a hectic day—every walk is still time spent taking care of yourself. And that’s the part that matters.
What about you? Are you a Morning Walk Person, an Evening Walk Person, or a Whenever I Can Fit It In Person? How did you choose the time of day that’s best for you?
