Best Time To Skydive
Is there a best time of day to skydive? Sure, but everyone’s schedule and preference is different! Here’s the good news: there’s no bad time to skydive with us. Why? We average 300 days of sunshine every year with stunning views of the Cascades that make every jump unforgettable! And we only operate when conditions are deemed safe for skydiving, so choose the time that suits your fancy.
Whether it’s the vibe of the dropzone, the temperature of the breeze, or the way the sunlight hits, timing adds to the experience! What time is best to go skydiving? It depends on what you’re looking to get out of your experience! Let’s dive into what makes each part of the day unique so you can pick the best time of day to go skydiving for you.
Morning Jumps: Better Than Coffee
In our opinion, there’s something special about kicking off your day with a sweet skydive. But some people appreciate sleeping in and drinking their adrenaline in the form of bitter caffeine – no judgment! The best time to go skydiving for many is first thing in the morning when the grass is dewy, there’s a slight chill in the air, and the winds are typically lowest.
Pros
The air is cooler, the dropzone is a bit less crowded, and once you land, you still have the entire day ahead of you! Plus, if a weather delay pops up (rare, but they happen), being booked early gives you a buffer – your jump can usually be rescheduled later in the same day.
Cons
Some people prefer the buzz that comes with a busy dropzone, which you typically won’t find during a daybreak jump. Don’t worry – great DZ vibes are present even on the slowest of mornings. When should you not skydive? Anytime you can’t see the ground, so anytime you’d be jumping through a cloud. Morning jumps are sometimes delayed due to low clouds or lingering fog that needs sunshine to burn it off.
Midday Jumps: Peak Energy
By midday, the dropzone is buzzing with excitement, and this feeling is why some people deem it the best time to skydive. If you’re a high-energy person with a GO GO GO mindset, mid-afternoon will be your best time to skydive.
Pros
Being around lots of stoked people ups the adrenaline and makes the experience feel like a communal endeavour. More people means more chances to share stories about your pre-jump nerves or post-jump high!
Cons
It’s busy and quite warm. Some people skydive multiple times in one day, including during the hours of peak sunshine, but they do have to take a few extra measures – like staying super hydrated – to make sure they beat the heat!
The afternoon also brings thermals – the arch-nemesis of the skydiver. When the sun begins heating the ground, warm air will start to rise and mix with all that cool morning air that’s in no hurry to leave. This creates air pockets that can be pretty bumpy to fly through. People fly their parachutes through thermals all the time – they’re typically just annoying, not dangerous. If they create unfavorable conditions, the dropzone may go on a weather hold until the thermals calm down.
Late-Afternoon Jumps: Golden Hour
Late-afternoon into early evening skydiving is a gem. Experienced jumpers are famous for sticking around all day just for a glorious spot on the sunset load. Soaring the sky at any time is pretty life-changing, but doing it during golden hour adds an extra layer of mystique.
Pros
What is the best weather for skydiving? Light and predictable winds, blue skies, and enjoyable temps – AKA: sunset!
Cons
Dropzones do absolutely everything they can to make sure everyone who wants to jump can, but sometimes the weather gods just aren’t in our favor! If the weather takes a turn for the worse later in the afternoon, there is less of a chance to wait it out, and you may need to reschedule.
Do People Skydive At Night?
You betcha! Night jumps are a thing many experienced (licensed) skydivers like to participate in. Unlike regular daytime skydives, night jumps add an extra layer of excitement – and challenge – due to the limited visibility. Skydivers have to take extra precautions, such as wearing a strobe and completing a solo skydive earlier in the day, before doing the night jump.
What If The Weather Is Bad During My Time Slot?
If the weather gods just won’t cooperate, we will either delay jumping until more favorable conditions come later in the day, or we’ll work with you to reschedule for a time that works best for you!
What is the best time of day to skydive? Although it’s subjective, we think the best time to skydive is any time the dropzone is open! We can’t wait to skydive with you – book your tandem jump today! Blue skies!
