The best time to walk your dog in the summer
The answer most dog owners want is simple: early morning or evening. But knowing exactly when (and why the timing matters) can make a real difference to your dog’s safety on a hot day.
Why timing matters more than temperature
Most owners check the temperature before a walk. Fewer think about pavement temperature, and that’s where the real danger lies.
Air temperature and ground temperature are very different things. When the air is 25°C on a sunny afternoon, dark tarmac can reach 52°C or more. At those temperatures, paw pad burns can occur in under a minute. By the time your dog shows signs of discomfort, damage is already being done.
The good news is that pavement temperature follows a predictable pattern throughout the day, and once you understand it, picking the right time to walk becomes straightforward.
The safest windows for summer walks
Before 8am
Early morning is consistently the safest time to walk your dog in summer. The ground has had all night to cool, air temperatures are at their lowest, and UV levels are minimal.
On a day that peaks at 30°C, the early morning temperature might be 16–18°C – comfortable for most breeds, with pavements that are safe to touch. If you can get the walk done before 8am on a hot day, do it.
The trade-off is obvious – early starts aren’t always possible. If you can shift your routine even slightly during a heatwave, mornings are the time to do it.
After 7pm
Evening walks are the second-best option, but with an important caveat: pavement retains heat well after the air temperature drops. A surface that peaked at 55°C at 2pm doesn’t cool instantly when the sun goes in. By 7pm on a very hot day, tarmac can still be 35°C or above.
The rule of thumb: wait until at least 7pm, and always do the 5-second pavement test before setting off. Press the back of your hand against the pavement for 5 seconds – if it’s uncomfortable, it’s unsafe for paws.
On cooler summer evenings this isn’t an issue. On days above 28°C, push the evening walk as late as you can – 8pm or later is safer than 6pm.
Overcast days (any time)
Cloud cover makes a significant difference. On an overcast summer day, pavement temperatures stay far lower than in direct sunlight, even if the air temperature is the same. If the sky is genuinely overcast, the usual timing rules are much less critical.
Check UV index as well as temperature. High UV on a hazy day can still heat surfaces more than the air temperature suggests.
Times to avoid
11am–4pm on hot days
This is the danger window on any day above 22°C with sunshine. Pavement temperatures peak in the early afternoon and stay elevated for several hours. This is the time when the RSPCA records the highest number of heat-related incidents in dogs.
If you can’t avoid walking during this period, stick entirely to grass, stay in shade, keep the walk very short, and carry water. But the better answer is to skip it entirely and exercise your dog at home instead.
After a long hot day, before checking the pavement
Many owners assume that once the sun goes down and the air cools, it’s safe to walk. It isn’t always. Pavement that has been baking all day holds heat for hours. Always check before you go, regardless of how cool the air feels.
How to adjust your routine during a heatwave
A sustained heatwave requires a different approach entirely – not just adjusted walk times, but reduced activity overall.
Split the walk into two shorter outings. One early morning, one late evening. Shorter walks in cooler conditions are safer than one long walk at the wrong time.
Exercise at home during the day. Mental stimulation (training, puzzle feeders, indoor play) tires dogs out without the heat risk. A dog that has spent 20 minutes on a training session in a cool room needs less physical exercise than one that’s been bored all afternoon.
Watch your dog, not just the clock. Every dog is different. Older dogs, overweight dogs, and flat-faced breeds (pugs, French bulldogs, boxers, shih tzus) are far less tolerant of heat than young, healthy, long-snouted breeds. What’s fine for a fit Labrador at 7pm might be too much for a pug at the same time.
Breed-specific timing considerations
Flat-faced breeds: brachycephalic dogs struggle to regulate body temperature efficiently due to restricted airways. In hot weather, these dogs should be walked in the coolest possible conditions – ideally before 7am or after 8pm. Keep walks short regardless of timing.
Small breeds: small dogs sit closer to the ground where reflected heat from pavements is more intense. They also tend to tire more quickly in heat. Apply the same caution as you would for flat-faced breeds.
Working and large breeds: while generally more heat-tolerant, high-energy breeds that push themselves hard are at risk of overheating through exertion. Keep the pace gentle in warm weather, regardless of the time of day.
Older dogs: age reduces a dog’s ability to regulate temperature. Apply stricter timing and watch for signs of fatigue (heavy panting, slowing down, seeking shade) more carefully than you would in a younger dog.
A quick reference for hot days
| Time | Safety |
|---|---|
| Before 8am | Safest – cool ground, low UV |
| 8am–11am | Check pavement – usually fine on mild days |
| 11am–4pm | Avoid on days above 22°C |
| 4pm–7pm | Pavement still hot-do the 5-second test |
| After 7pm | Usually safe – always test pavement first |
Use live conditions, not just the clock
Timing is a guide, not a guarantee. A 6am walk on an unusually humid morning can still be uncomfortable for a flat-faced breed. A 7pm walk on a breezy, overcast day in June might be perfectly fine even at 24°C.
The most reliable approach is to combine good timing with a live check – use our tool to see current conditions for your postcode before every walk, and always do the 5-second pavement test before you set off.
The advice on this page is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Walk times and safety thresholds are based on published RSPCA hot weather guidance. Every dog is different – if you’re unsure whether conditions are safe for your dog, err on the side of caution. If your dog shows any signs of heatstroke or distress, move them to a cool place and contact your vet immediately.
