Key Takeaways
The best time to ride a UTV depends on your priorities, such as wanting cooler temps, fewer crowds, better photo light, or a more relaxed pace.
Morning rides usually feel cooler, calmer, and more “private,” which makes them a strong pick in summer and during peak travel weeks. Plus, sunrise light is great for photos.
Afternoon rides are often the most convenient and can feel best in cooler months when you want warmer air and full daylight. But mid-afternoon heat and typical summer storm windows can make them less comfortable in July and August.
Evening rides shine for comfort and scenery, with cooler air after peak heat and golden hour lighting before sunset. They can also help you dodge mid-day crowds at popular overlooks.
Season and elevation matter as much as the clock.
UTV tours aren’t one-size-fits-all. The best time of day to ride a UTV depends on what you want out of the experience, whether you’re chasing cooler temps, fewer people, better photo light, or a calmer pace. To help you schedule a UTV tour at a time that’s right for you, review our guide to the best time of day to ride a UTV.
5 Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Time of Day to Ride a Side-by-Side
Also called side-by-sides, UTVs can be great to drive at any point in the day. However, a few key factors can affect how enjoyable your experience is on them. Learn more about the five main factors to consider when choosing a time to ride a UTV below:
Comfort and heat:
In summer, afternoons can bring heat and humidity, and the Smokies often see afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Riding earlier or later is a common recommendation for hot-weather off-roading because it keeps you out of the most intense sun and heat.
Crowds and pace:
If you’re trying to avoid peak crowd energy, earlier and later windows are often calmer than mid-day.
Views and photos:
If you like photos and scenic overlooks, a sunrise UTV ride or sunset UTV ride can deliver softer, warmer light than mid-day. “Golden hour” is commonly defined as the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset.
Season and elevation:
Spring can be unpredictable, summer tends to be hot at lower elevations, autumn is often cooler and drier, and winter can be moderate in town while higher elevations see snow. Factor in where you’ll be riding and how much of your route is shaded.
UTV riding in the rain:
Light rain can be manageable with the right gear and a more conservative driving style, but thunderstorms are a hard stop. If you can hear thunder, seek shelter in a substantial building or a hard-topped vehicle and wait until the storm clears.
The Best Time to Go on a UTV Tour
In addition to considering the factors above, you should be aware that the experience of a UTV ride can vary with the time of day and season. Learn more about the following best times to ride a UTV:
1. Morning UTV Rides
Morning rides usually feel fresh, calm, and a little more “private,” even during busy travel months. A lot of riders love a sunrise start for cooler air, softer light, and a smoother pace before the day fully ramps up.
Season-wise, mornings tend to shine in spring and fall when temperatures are comfortable, and the air often feels crisp. Spring can still be unpredictable, even swinging quickly from mild to wintry at higher elevations, so check the weather before you head out and plan to wear layers that you can remove as the day warms up.
In summer, mornings are a smart move because lower elevations can reach the 90s in July and August, and afternoon storms are common.
Benefits of Morning UTV Rides
- Cooler, easier riding weather: Morning is often the most comfortable window in warm months, especially when summer afternoons run hot at lower elevations. This benefit is most noticeable in late spring and summer.
- A calmer pace on popular days: Earlier starts can help you avoid some of the “late morning to afternoon” crowd energy that builds as more visitors get moving. This tends to matter most during summer vacations and the fall color season.
- Softer light for photos: A sunrise or early-morning ride can give you gentler lighting than the harsh, high sun you get mid-day, which is a big reason sunrise adventures are a favorite for scenery and photos. If you go in the winter and it’s freshly snowed, you’ll also have a more undisturbed landscape to take pictures of!
- More comfortable layering choices: In spring and fall, mornings often start cool and warm up gradually, so riders can build a simple “layering plan” instead of trying to manage peak heat. Spring weather can change quickly, so flexible layers help.
- A strong option when summer storms are likely: Since afternoon showers and thunderstorms are common in the Smokies in summer, morning time slots can reduce the chance your ride gets caught in a storm.
When Morning UTV Rides Are Best
Morning rides are usually most enjoyable in spring and fall, when temperatures tend to be comfortable and the day warms up gradually. Spring can bring rapid shifts, including colder conditions at higher elevations, so a later-morning start can be more comfortable if you’re sensitive to cold.
In summer, morning is often the best time to ride a side-by-side if your goal is to stay cooler and avoid the heaviest heat, especially since July and August can push afternoon highs into the 90s at lower elevations and storms are common later in the day.
In winter, mornings can still work, but many riders prefer a late-morning start because low temperatures are common at night and early in the day, even when afternoon highs are milder.
Who Tends to Enjoy Morning UTV Rides the Most
Morning rides are a great fit for early risers, families who want a slower pace before the day gets busy, and anyone who wants the most comfortable conditions in the warm months. They’re also a strong pick for riders who care about photos and scenery, since the softer morning light can make overlooks and trail views feel extra polished.
2. Afternoon UTV Rides
Afternoon rides are the “easy choice” for many travelers because they don’t require an early wake-up and often align well with check-in times, lunch plans, and group schedules. For some riders, the best time to go on a UTV tour is simply the time that fits the rest of the day.
That said, afternoon conditions can vary a lot by season. In summer, mid-afternoon is often the warmest part of the day, and most people recommend planning around cooler windows when heat is a concern.
Benefits of Afternoon UTV Rides
- More flexible trip planning: Afternoon time slots can feel easier to build around meals, travel time, and group coordination, especially for visitors juggling multiple Smoky Mountains activities.
- Warmer temperatures in cooler months: In late fall and winter, afternoons can be the most comfortable time to ride because the day has had time to warm up, even though nights and early mornings often dip to freezing. This benefit is strongly season-dependent.
- A good option for riders who dislike cold starts: If you’d rather skip chilly air and cold hands, an afternoon ride can be a better comfort match in early spring, late fall, and winter.
- A popular, social time window: Mid-day and early afternoon slots tend to be the busiest and most popular times for UTV tours, which can be a plus if your group likes a lively vibe and wants to meet other riders on the tour.
- Easier visibility in full daylight: Afternoon light can make it easier to see trail features and scenery clearly, which some first-time riders prefer.
When Afternoon UTV Rides Are Best
Afternoon rides tend to be most enjoyable during cooler parts of the year, when warmth is a feature, not a problem. In the Smokies, that often means late fall through early spring, when days can be moderate but nights regularly drop to freezing.
In summer, afternoons can still work, but they’re usually best on days with milder temperatures, routes with more shade, or higher-elevation segments where conditions can feel noticeably cooler than down in town. Shaded forest routes can make mid-day more manageable than open, exposed areas. If heat is your main concern, many UTV and ATV safety resources recommend riding earlier or later instead of mid-afternoon.
Who Tends to Enjoy Afternoon UTV Rides the Most
Afternoon rides are ideal for travelers who want a relaxed morning, groups coordinating around lunch and check-in times, and riders who prefer warmer air in spring, fall, and winter. They’re also a good fit if your group is weighing a morning vs afternoon UTV tour, and convenience ranks higher than cooler temperatures or softer photo light.
3. Evening UTV Rides
Evening rides are all about atmosphere. Temperatures often feel more comfortable after the day’s heat fades, and the light can turn scenic viewpoints into “wow” moments. If you’ve ever wanted to time a ride around the best views, this is where a sunset start shines.
A golden hour UTV tour typically means riding close to that window right before sunset, when the sun sits lower, and the light tends to look warmer and softer.
Benefits of Evening UTV Rides
- Cooler air after peak heat: Evening is a popular choice in summer because temperatures are often more comfortable later in the day, especially after hot afternoon highs at lower elevations. This benefit is most noticeable in late spring and summer.
- Golden hour lighting for photos: The hour before sunset is widely known for warm, softer light that’s flattering for landscapes and group photos, making it a natural fit for a sunset-focused ride.
- A strong “end-of-day” experience: Many riders like the feeling of wrapping up a busy vacation day with one big signature activity, then heading straight to dinner plans afterward.
- Potentially fewer crowds at scenic spots: Just like early mornings, evenings can be a good time to avoid peak crowds at popular Smoky Mountains areas. This benefit tends to matter most during summer travel weeks and peak fall weekends.
- Temperature sweet spot: During autumn, warm days and cool nights are common, and evening rides can sit right in the sweet spot before temperatures drop further after dark.
When Evening UTV Rides Are Best
Evening rides are often at their best in late spring through early fall, especially when you want to avoid the hottest part of the day. In the Smokies, summer brings heat and humidity, and afternoon showers and thunderstorms are common, so it’s smart to watch the forecast and plan around storm timing.
In the fall, early evenings can be comfortable and scenic, but temperatures drop faster as daylight fades, so it helps to bring a light layer. In winter, evenings can still be fun on milder days, but shorter daylight, the chance of snow, and colder nighttime temperatures make timing more important. Winter nights often sit at or below freezing, even when daytime highs are moderate.
Weather safety matters even more in the evening. If thunderstorms are in the area, follow standard guidance to enter a substantial building or hard-topped vehicle and wait before heading back out.
Who Tends to Enjoy Evening UTV Rides the Most
Evening rides are a great fit for couples, photographers, and groups seeking a scenic, high-energy experience with the best lighting. They also tend to appeal to riders who dislike mid-day heat and would rather ride when conditions feel cooler, and the views look their best, especially during late spring and summer.
FAQs
Is It Better to Ride a UTV in the Morning or Afternoon
Morning is cooler and calmer, afternoon is warmer and more convenient. In summer, mornings usually win, and in winter, afternoons often feel best.
In the Smokies, mornings can help you beat the heat and get ahead of late-morning crowds. Afternoons can be ideal in colder months because the day has warmed up. Weather can also steer the decision. Summer often brings afternoon showers and thunderstorms, while winter nights and early mornings are more likely to be below freezing.
What Time Should I Book a UTV Tour?
Book early if you want cooler temps and fewer crowds, book mid-day if convenience comes first, or book near sunset for the most scenic lighting.
In summer, earlier or later rides can help you avoid the hottest hours and the common afternoon storm window. If you’re aiming for a sunset UTV ride or golden hour UTV tour, pick a start time that gives you plenty of daylight for the route, plus a little buffer in case the weather changes.
When Is the Best Time to Ride a UTV in the Spring?
In spring, late morning to early afternoon often feels best after chilly starts, but staying flexible matters because Smoky Mountains weather can change fast.
March can still bring cold snaps, including snow at higher elevations, while April and May warm up but can bring afternoon showers. A later morning start can help you dodge cold air while avoiding showers later in the afternoon.
When Is the Best Time to Ride a UTV in the Summer?
In summer, an early morning UTV tour or an evening ride is usually the most comfortable, since afternoons are hotter and storms are more common.
July and August can reach the 90s at lower elevations, and summer days often bring afternoon showers and thunderstorms. If you’re riding mid-day, shaded routes and higher elevations can feel noticeably more pleasant.
When Is the Best Time to Ride a UTV in the Fall?
In fall, mid-morning through late afternoon is often the sweet spot, with warm daytime temps and cooler nights, and golden hour can be a photo favorite.
Autumn is typically drier, and the temperature swing from day to night is part of what makes fall rides feel so crisp. If you’re riding late in the day, bring a light layer since temperatures can drop quickly after sunset.
When Is the Best Time to Ride a UTV in the Winter?
In winter, late morning to mid-afternoon is usually best, since nights and early mornings often dip below freezing, and higher elevations can get snow.
Winter can be surprisingly mild at lower elevations on some days, but cold nights are common. If your route gains elevation, conditions can change quickly, so it helps to check the forecast and dress in layers.
When Is the Best Time to Ride a UTV to Avoid Heat?
To avoid heat, choose the coolest part of the day, usually early morning or evening, and plan for shade, hydration, and breathable layers.
Heat and humidity can make mid-afternoon rides feel tougher, especially in summer. If you have to ride midday, choose shadier routes when possible and take breaks so the heat doesn’t drain your energy.
When Is the Best Time to Ride a UTV to Avoid Crowds?
To avoid crowds, start early or go late afternoon. In the Smokies, many visitors arrive in the late morning, which is when places feel busier.
If you want a quieter experience, an early start often helps, and late afternoon can be a smart option too. Just make sure you still have enough daylight for the ride and for getting back comfortably.
Explore the Smoky Mountains With a UTV Tour at WildSide
If you’re interested in taking a UTV tour in Pigeon Forge, WildSide has you covered. At our adventure park, you can take a UTV tour, spending 90 minutes behind the wheel of one of our UTVs. Before you explore our private off-road trails, you’ll get to pick a 2-seat, 4-seat, or 6-seat UTV from our fleet. On the tour, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to pull over and take pictures of the Smokies, with our guides knowing the perfect spots for group photos.
Learn more about our UTV tours today. If you’re ready to pick a time for your tour and rent a vehicle, please book your ride online.