Why hiking in the mountains is better in autumn than in summer: 5 reasons

Summer is the favorite time for hiking for most travellers. They plan their trips for a long time, rent accommodation in advance, return home, and proudly announce their ascent to the peaks of the Ukrainian Carpathians. This is due to the holiday season, consistently warm and dry weather. However, this is not the only time to dare to climb, as autumn is still here and can give an unforgettable experience to every tourist. Let’s find the reasons for this, and when it’s best to go to the mountains.

Reason 1: Stable weather and comfortable climate

Average daily temperatures and weather in the first half of autumn are essentially as good as in summer or spring. You can still walk around in light clothing during the day without fear of sudden rain. Although this often happens in the mountains during the summer, it is due to the unpredictable weather in such areas

September and the first half of October are the “golden” time when the air is fresh, there is no exhausting heat, and therefore even strenuous physical activity will be easier. A little later, the likelihood of prolonged rains will be higher, and at the same time, the risks of climbing—slippery stones, mud, puddles. Whatever time of year you choose, remember the principle of layering your clothes, a raincoat, and the changeable high mountain weather. 

Reason 2: Lack of annoying animals

In autumn, as the temperature drops, the number of flying insects also decreases. This is especially true if you are going to walk in the forest and near lakes. And at an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level, you don’t have to worry about mosquitoes, flies, wasps, bees, horseflies, or ticks. 

They don’t have enough food, warmth, and sun to stay active. And this is to the benefit of tourists, as it protects them from bites, serious illnesses, and critical conditions (allergies, anaphylactic shock). Even if you meet a winged worker in a striped outfit somewhere, it will be busy looking for food, not you. 

Summertime cannot boast of such grace, and it is very difficult to protect yourself from bites in the evening, even with modern powerful means. But the drop in air temperature makes it much harder for mosquitoes to move around immediately. So you can enjoy the autumn weather and be outdoors from morning to late evening without repellents and bracelets.

Reason 3: Soft, not scorching sun

The higher you climb in the mountains, the more intense the UV exposure you will get. You can easily get sunburn even during a short walk in cool and windy weather. These problems will not befall you if you plan a hike in September and October. This is the time when the sun is lower above the horizon; its rays heat the atmosphere less and burn the skin less. There are also quite often cloudy days.

In any case, treat your skin with SPF cream before going for a walk, and take sunglasses and a hat with you. This is true for all seasons. In addition, when planning what you need for a hike in the mountains, do not forget about a raincoat and comfortable sports or hiking shoes.

Reason 4: The aesthetics of the autumn mountains

If summer mountains are a solid green canvas, then autumn landscapes are a real carnival of colors. The yellow, orange, and burgundy deciduous forests are diluted with the green of coniferous trees. Even on the yales, the grass is painted in different colors and is breathtaking. All this creates a special atmosphere and a field for creativity.

Climbing Hoverla in October will give you a completely different experience than in July. Therefore, we recommend trying mountain walks in different seasons. In one hike, you will create an incredible collection of photos and remember these moments forever. 

Reason 5: Fewer tourists means more silence

If you’re still not sure when it’s best to climb Hoverla or another Carpathian peak, autumn is definitely a time to consider. You will be able to go through the chosen route at your own pace, without crowds on narrow paths. This gives you confidence and allows you to stay calm even on steep mountain slopes. You’ll have a great opportunity to hear the wind, birds singing, your own footsteps, and secret thoughts. 

And you will especially feel the difference when you reach the very top. Because in a crowd of tourists, it’s not only hard to see the beauty of nature and take good photos but also to truly feel the moment.

Which routes are especially good in autumn?

The final choice depends on your goals, preferences, and physical fitness. In any case, it is impossible to ignore the largest mountain in Ukraine—Hoverla. Its height is 2061 m, and the journey takes about 4-6 hours in both directions. There are several different routes in terms of difficulty and duration. If this will be your first experience and you don’t know when it’s best to go to Hoverla, then choose September and the first days of October. There are many fewer tourists, the weather is comfortable, and the views are fascinating at first sight.

The 2020 m high Petros is a challenge for people with good physical fitness and endurance. Here you will find steep slopes and a longer road. The route is less popular and quiet.

Pip Ivan Chornohirsky rises 2028 m above sea level. This is a very interesting route where you will find a golden forest, foggy mountain peaks, and the opportunity to visit the legendary White Elephant Observatory.

Synevyr Lake is a simple and picturesque route that will be interesting even for children. It takes only up to 2 hours, depending on the chosen pace. There are no steep descents, and the road runs through the forest, along narrow paths and wooden bridges. This is an ideal option for a relaxing walk. In autumn, tourists will find a forest with an incredible palette of colors and a light fog over the lake’s water surface. Here you can often meet locals selling tinctures, mushrooms, herbal teas, and homemade jam made from wild berries. 

Also read: Mount Hamster: how to get there, what to see and where to eat

Whichever option you choose, it is very important to prepare well for it. Take care of equipment, clothes, snacks, and water. And the most important thing is rest. You will need it before and after the hike.

A great solution is a hotel complex with its own spa, comfortable accommodation, and its own restaurant. Why is it important? Hiking in the mountains, as well as simple walks, is different from walking on flat terrain. And you need to gain strength and get a good night’s sleep. Upon your return, we advise you to go to the spa, take a warm bath, and use the services of massage therapists. This way you will recover faster, avoid unbearable crepitus, and not spend 2 days in bed.

A room at the Stara Pravda Hotel is an ideal option if you are looking for a good location, favorable price, and a full range of services for an effective holiday. There are rooms and cottages to choose from. And the rental price includes:

• a delicious and hearty breakfast;
• use of a jacuzzi and outdoor swimming pools;
• a visit to the children’s room, where various activities for children are organized from 10:00 to 22:00 and staffed by experienced personnel.

There is a convenient car park on the territory. And one more pleasant addition—Stara Pravda welcomes guests with pets.

A hike in the mountains in autumn is a great addition to your holiday or a reason to organize it on purpose. Just book convenient dates in the Stara Pravda complex in the village of Polianytsia, and the qualified staff will make sure that you go to the mountains full of energy, well-fed, and in a good mood.

FAQ

1. When is the best time to climb Hoverla?

It all depends on the weather, precipitation, and average daily temperatures. The whole of September and the first warm days of October are a great time. You will be in time before the snow appears on the peaks and will be able to enjoy the colors of autumn.

2. What is the temperature in the mountains in autumn?

During the day, the air warms up to +15°C, and at night it can drop as low as 0°C. But in October, you can already see the first snowcaps in the mountains, at an altitude of 1500 m above sea level.

3. Which routes are best to choose in autumn?

Choose not according to popularity, but based on your own physical abilities. So as not to turn the climb into a torment and get disappointed halfway through. Easy routes are Synevyr and the Borzhava massif; medium routes are Hoverla, Pip Ivan, Svydovets. Climbing Petros is a difficult task that requires basic physical fitness and endurance. Consider your own condition and expectations.

4. Is it cheaper to travel to the mountains in autumn?

Yes, it is. Autumn is a quiet season in the Carpathians. You will pay less for the same length of holiday and its content than in summer or winter. Business owners offer discounts to avoid unprofitability and stimulate customer demand.