When is the best time of day to fly for the smoothest conditions?

The best time of day to fly for the smoothest conditions is typically in the mornings after sunrise. During this time, the sun has just begun to warm the earth, resulting in relatively stable air. The cooler temperatures in the morning prevent the development of thermal activity, which can lead to turbulence. As the day progresses and the sun heats the ground, thermal updrafts start to develop, leading to bumpier air conditions, especially during midday.

In contrast, late afternoons and evenings before sunset can experience increased turbulence too, as the ground continues to warm and thermal activity is still present. Midday, particularly when temperatures peak, tends to produce the most instability because of the intense heating of the surface, creating more updrafts and potentially leading to rougher flying conditions. Therefore, scheduling flights in the morning allows pilots to take advantage of calmer, more stable air, making it the optimal choice for smoother flying.