When it comes to the emotion and freedom of flying paragliding is one of the sports that bring us the closest to the real thing, This is why once we’ve tried it, we want to experience it as much as possible. But is it a whole year around kind of sport? Find out the answer to this question, along with the ranking of best seasons to paraglide down below!

 

Which are the best seasons for paragliding?

One of the first things you should know if this is your first date with paragliding is that this sport is highly dependant on the outdoor conditions and most importantly: the winds and temperatures high up in the air. 

This being said, any season can potentially be good for paragliding depending on where on the globe you live - or travel to get the best paragliding experience. But overall all seasons offer good conditions for this way of flying that is considered one of the safest if you have proper training and safety gear. These two conditions precisely, as well as your preparation with clothes, suitable for the conditions in the air, can make or break your paragliding experience. 

Most people though prefer summer (or the warmer months) in particular because of the temperatures. Here are the pros and cons of every season as we experience it in the Northern Hemisphere and why it can become your favorite season for paragliding.

 

Paragliding in spring

Everything in nature is being reborn in these first months after the start of the year and it is absolutely understandable you would want to do it too - with a little spike of adrenaline and flying! Paragliding in spring can be an amazing experience because of the clean air and, if you wait until the trees are covered with colors, the exquisite views nature reborn will offer your eyes. In addition: it’s a great way to battle spring fatigue by going out in the open. 

The challenge in spring, when it comes to paragliding, is hidden in the weather. Sometimes the dynamics of the weather conditions can change really fast and you should be prepared for it. This is why you should always check them once the night before the flight and once: just before it. What is more, be aware to check it at the take-off and landing location as well! Especially if the flight is long-distance. Never, ever neglect and underestimate the whims of Mother Nature - especially if you’re going to be flying for a longer period of time or on a long-distance and the more dynamic parts of the seasons around the year - early spring and summer, late autumn, and all throughout winter.

Besides that, spring can offer very good paragliding conditions, as well as a vast part of the day to choose from for your flight. Do you want warmer temperatures in the air? You can paraglide at noon and early to late afternoon. Do you enjoy early hours for paragliding and don’t mind being a little bit more cold? You can use the calm mornings with their beauty at sunrise bathed in the first warm sun beans with beautiful light fog and frost on the ground. Did you picture it? We sure did and will be experiencing it as soon as spring comes!

One thing you should never forget though is spring rains (and to be fair any rains) are NOT safe for paragliding! They are a serious risk for your health and safety during paragliding and should not be taken light-heartedly! If there is even a slim chance of rain be very careful since it can be not only flying but a landing hazard as well. More on why - at the end of the article, so continue reading on!

 

Paragliding in summer

Summer is one of the seasons that are most preferred for paragliding and there are quite a few reasons for this. 

First of all the warmest season offers us some of the best conditions for paragliding - especially if you like being in the air for as long as possible. Summer air currents offer us upwind that help us get higher with our wing and take us further than any other season. 

You should be aware of two things about it, though. First of all, this means you should be more experienced if you’re flying solo or you should be with a qualified instructor or friend that has very good control over the wing and an even better sense and understanding of the air conditions and their whims.

And second - don’t confuse the high temperatures on the ground with what they will be up in the air. Wear a jacket, long trousers and if you’re not a fan of the cold at all - hat and gloves. 

What is more, summer is one of the most preferred seasons because you can experience paragliding in different spots - every day. Today you can fly over the mountains and tomorrow - indulge yourself in the amazing view of the vast sea before your eyes. Of course, depending on where you are. Summer also allows you to fly higher in the mountains according to the weather conditions. For example, if your dream is to paraglide above the Alps, the best season to do so is spring - no doubt about it! 

Of course, we should repeat again - beware of the weather conditions. Summer storms, especially in the mountains, are no joke and can quickly turn a fun paragliding experience into a nightmare. They come and go fast, but you do not want to get trapped in a summer thunderstorm or one that turns into a storm of hail.

Most of all, paragliding in summer offers you the opportunity to make a combined trip with tents and paragliding for example. Camp for a few days, paraglide all around, and return to work and/or the city refreshed and with the memories of freedom in your heart! Just don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen!

 

Paragliding in autumn

Much like spring, autumn offers some amazing views for paragliders. And by amazing we mean so many colors and palettes you can only see from high up above!  Some even say that there is no other time they love more for paragliding because of that.

And again, a lot like spring, the problem is the weather and how it’s even more whimsical and unpredictable. The difference: autumn rains and storms are very dangerous - almost as much as summer storms, but colder and the winds can be way stronger and blow you dangerously off-course.

When paragliding in autumn, you should also be aware of the time of day that is best to fly. Experts say that usually, this is between 10:30 in the morning and 5 in the afternoon (17:00). This time window offers the best conditions and winds (depending on weather, location, and terrain). That does not exclude flying earlier or later though you may not be able to get as high or fly as long as yoú’d like to.

Unfortunately autumn is not the best season for potentially combining paragliding and camping for example and terrains are not that easy to conquer. You should take note of the condition of your equipment, choose shoes well and place for take-off and landing carefully so you can be sure to be able to land safely and to avoid bad weather and terrain conditions like mud and difficult driving to and from them. Our advice - choose a hotel/s or mountain house/s suitable for staying as close as possible to the spots so you can:

• enjoy more time in the air
• be prepared better for bad weather and have shelter closer if things don’t happen
• don’t have to think about how to get to the take-off / touch-down spots by vehicles that may or may not be able to deal with the terrain. This of course you can check with the hotel/mountain house and maybe rent something for tough terrain for even more fun

Winter paragliding

A lot of people, even among those who practice paragliding for a while, are surprised that you can fly in winter! In this way, paragliding is different than most sports because it covers all seasons - including the coldest and supposedly - harshest one.

The truth is, if you choose a sunny and nice day in winter without the possibility of a snowstorm or clouds, you can actually experience one of the best flights of your life! True story!

How is this possible? 

Turns out winter offers paragliders the calmest conditions for flying and you can enjoy a long relaxing flight without a care in the world. Just dress well! 

As well, there are no views like winter views from the air when paragliding. They will take your breath away! If you’re up for the challenge and don’t mind the cold winter may turn into your paragliding paradise season.

 

Tips and tricks for paragliding every season

In conclusion, we can say you CAN paraglide throughout the whole year but the best times would be between April and September, maybe October if you’re experiencing a very warm and calm autumn season. Otherwise said: between spring and autumn.

Let us give you a tip: depending on where you are there is an interactive map you can check the paragliding conditions here. It may turn essential for you and your paragliding friends.

 

The most important tips you should know for a great paragliding experience we can give you are:

• choose your clothing well depending on the season you’re paragliding - don’t underestimate the temperature up in the air so your flight is not cut out short!
• always check your equipment before the flight and ensure it’s safe. Do not compromise with quality and condition!
• always wear a GPS and a device that will give you the opportunity to call for help if something happens - preferably, a satellite phone or other type of communication device
• always wear a helmet, gloves, and eyewear as well as sunscreen and lip gloss. As well as that - hydrate well before and after the flight.

Did we help you choose the best season? We hope so!

Let us know which one is your favorite for paragliding or share with us the story of your best paragliding experience and when it happened!