The Best Times of Day to Walk Your Dog in Southern California ☀️🐕

alissacpthenotary
7 hours ago
2 min read

Southern California is known for its beautiful weather—but that sunshine can be a challenge when it comes to dog walking. Heat, pavement temperature, air quality, and even neighborhood activity levels all affect when it’s safest and most beneficial to walk your dog. Choosing the right time of day helps protect your pup’s health while making walks more enjoyable for both of you.

🌅 Early Morning (6:00–9:00 AM): The Gold Standard

Early morning is widely considered the best time to walk dogs in Southern California.

Why it’s ideal:

Cooler air temperatures
Pavement hasn’t heated up yet
Lower humidity
Fewer crowds, cars, and distractions

Morning walks help dogs burn energy early, reduce anxiety, and start the day calm and focused. This time is especially important for senior dogs, brachycephalic breeds (like Bulldogs and Pugs), and high-energy dogs.

🌤️ Late Morning to Early Afternoon (10:00 AM–3:00 PM): Use Caution

This window is usually the hottest and riskiest time to walk dogs in SoCal.

Potential risks:

Hot pavement that can burn paws
Increased risk of overheating or heat exhaustion
Strong sun exposure

If walks are unavoidable during this time, keep them very short, stay in shaded areas, walk on grass when possible, and always bring water. A quick potty break is safer than a full walk.

🌇 Early Evening (5:00–8:00 PM): A Close Second

As the sun lowers, temperatures drop and pavement begins to cool—making early evening another great option.

Why it works:

Cooler than midday
Dogs are ready to decompress after the day
Great for social dogs who enjoy seeing neighbors

Be mindful that in summer, sidewalks may still hold heat from earlier in the day. Always test the pavement with your hand before heading out.

🌙 Late Night (After 9:00 PM): Breed & Area Dependent

Late-night walks can work well for some dogs, especially in quieter neighborhoods.

Pros:

Coolest temperatures of the day
Minimal foot traffic

Cons:

Reduced visibility
Potential wildlife encounters
Not ideal for reactive or anxious dogs

Reflective gear and well-lit routes are essential if you choose nighttime walks.

🌡️ Factors That Should Always Influence Timing

Regardless of the clock, always consider:

Your dog’s age, breed, and health
Air quality (especially during wildfire season)
Pavement temperature
Access to shade and water

There’s no one-size-fits-all schedule—your dog’s comfort should always come first.

✅ Final Thoughts

In Southern California, early morning and early evening walks are safest and most enjoyable for most dogs. Avoid midday heat whenever possible, adjust walk length to the season, and stay alert to signs of overheating. Smart timing keeps walks safe, effective, and stress-free.

At Alissa’s Pet Services, we schedule dog walks during the safest parts of the day and tailor each walk to your dog’s needs across Eagle Rock, Glendale, and Pasadena—because timing matters just as much as movement. 🐾💛