Best Time to Mow Lawn: A Guide for Every Season & Time of Day

When it comes to mowing your lawn, timing really does matter. Knowing the best time to mow lawn can make a big difference in the health of your grass and how easy your mowing routine is. You don’t want to mow too early when the dew is still on the grass, or too late when the sun is beating down. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best times to mow during the day and across different seasons, plus give you a few expert tips for keeping your lawn in tip-top shape all year round.

Best Times to Mow Your Lawn During the Day

Mowing at the right time can help you achieve a healthier lawn and make the job easier. Two key timeframes stand out as the best time of day to mow lawn: mid-morning and late afternoon. Let’s break down why these times work so well:

Mid-Morning (8 AM – 10 AM)

Mid-morning is the perfect time to mow your lawn, especially if you’re an early riser. Around 8 AM to 10 AM is ideal because the grass is typically dry from the morning dew, but the sun hasn’t reached its peak heat yet. Mowing during these cooler hours helps reduce stress on your grass, as it’s less likely to dry out or become damaged.

Plus, your lawn will have the whole day to recover from being cut, which can lead to healthier growth. If you’ve got a busy schedule, mowing in the morning is also a great way to get the task done early and have the rest of your day free.

Late Afternoon (4 PM – 6 PM)

If mornings aren’t an option, late afternoon is the next best time of day to mow the lawn. By 4 to 6 p.m., the sun isn’t as intense, and the temperature starts to drop, making it a more comfortable time for both you and your lawn. The grass has dried out from the day’s heat, but it hasn’t started to cool off too much, so mowing is easier and less likely to damage the grass.

Mowing in the late afternoon also gives your lawn the rest of the evening to recover from the cut before nighttime sets in, which is important because lawns are more prone to fungal infections after dark. So, be sure to finish before sunset!

Best Time to Mow During Each Season

If you’re wondering “When is the best time to mow the lawn?”, it isn’t just about what time of day you mow—it's also about when you should start or stop mowing throughout the year. The answer to this question depends on your grass type, weather conditions, and where you live.

Cool-Season Grasses vs. Warm-Season Grasses

Let’s first take a quick look at the two main types of grasses that most homeowners have: cool-season grasses and warm-season grasses. Each has its own growing pattern, which impacts both when you should mow and how frequently you should do it.

Cool-Season Grasses

Cool-season grasses thrive in cooler temperatures and are commonly found in northern lawns. These grasses have the ability to handle cold weather well, making them perfect for regions with chilly winters. Common cool-season grasses include:

• Kentucky Bluegrass
• Fine Fescue
• Tall Fescue
• Perennial Ryegrass

Here’s what you need to know about their growth:

• Active growth periods are spring and fallwhen temperatures are between 50°F and 65°F.
• Cool-season grasses are dormant in the summerwhen temperatures hit 90°F or higher.
• Grass roots grow best in soil temperatures between 50°F and 65°F, and don’t grow much below freezing (32°F) or when it's extremely hot.

Warm-Season Grasses

Warm-season grasses, on the other hand, thrive in warmer temperatures and grow best during the summer. They are often found in southern lawns where the weather is hot and dry. Popular warm-season grasses include:

• BahiaGrass
• BermudaGrass
• BuffaloGrass
• CentipedeGrass
• AugustineGrass
• ZoysiaGrass

Growth characteristics for warm-season grasses:

• Active growth happens when air temperatures are between 90°F and 95°F.
• Warm-season grasses go dormant when soil temperatures drop below 60°F to 65°F.
• These grasses are known for their heat and drought tolerance, making them perfect for warmer climates.

When Should You Start and Stop Mowing During Each Season?

Now that you understand how grass grows, let’s dive into the specific timing for when you should start or stop mowing during each season:

Spring

Spring is all about rejuvenation. As the weather warms up, cool-season grasses begin to come out of dormancy, while warm-season grasses might still be dormant.

• Start Mowing: The timing of your first mow depends on where you live. If you're in the north, you might be able to start mowing by late April or Maywhen the grass starts to green up. In the south, mowing could begin as early as March.
• Mow Regularly:Once your grass has reached about 4 inches tall, it’s time to mow. Cool-season grasses will grow quickly in spring, so you’ll need to mow regularly—about once a week or as needed.
• Stop Mowing:Keep mowing until the grass stops growing. Don’t mow more than one-third of the grass blade height to avoid stressing it.
• Tip: It’s a good idea to check for pests or diseases before mowing in spring, as you don’t want to spread them while cutting the grass.

Summer

Summer is prime growing season for warm-season grasses, but cool-season grasses may slow down or even go dormant in hotter climates. Here’s the best time to mow lawn in summer:

• Start Mowing:In the south, summer brings the peak of warm-season grass growth, so mowing will be frequent. In cooler regions, you may notice that grass growth slows down, and some cool-season lawns may even go dormant by mid-summer.
• Stop Mowing:If you have a cool-season lawn, you may need to stop mowing when the summer heat really sets in (usually in July or August). Warm-season grasses in the south will thrive throughout the summer months, and mowing may be necessary once a week.
• Avoid Mowing at Peak Heat:The best time of day to mow lawn in hot weather is still mid-morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense midday sun, which can stress your lawn.

Fall

As temperatures drop, cool-season grasses start growing again, while warm-season grasses begin to slow down and go dormant.

• Start Mowing:For cool-season grasses, fall marks the start of the second growth period. Wait until the grass has grown long enough before mowing again. Typically, this happens when daytime temperatures fall below 80°F.
• Stop Mowing:Warm-season grasses will stop growing as the temperatures fall. In the transition zone (regions between northern and southern climates), you may need to stop mowing warm-season grasses by October or November. Cool-season grasses will keep growing into the fall until the first frost.
• Prepare for Winter:Make your last mow of the season around a week before the first frost to prevent grass from getting too long during dormancy.
• Tip:Cut your grass to the recommended height before winter to avoid mold and fungus growth during the colder months.

Winter

During winter, most grass types, especially cool-season grasses, are dormant. However, if you live in a warmer climate or experience an unusually mild winter, grass may continue growing.

• Start Mowing:If your grass is still growing in winter, you can mow it when conditions are dry and frost-free. Generally, mowing isn’t necessary unless the grass is actively growing.
• Stop Mowing:For warm-season grasses, mowing usually stops when temperatures drop below 50°F. If you're in a subtropical area like Florida, you might need to continue mowing throughout the winter.
• Tip: If you live in a cold climate, store your mower properly for winter after performing necessary maintenance and winterizing it.

When to Avoid Mowing Your Lawn

While it’s important to know the best time to mow lawn, it’s just as essential to understand when you shouldn’t mow. Mowing at the wrong time can stress your grass, lead to uneven cuts, or even cause long-term damage. Here are the key times when it’s best to hold off on firing up the mower:

Early Morning (6 AM – 8 AM)

You might think getting a head start on your day with early-morning mowing is a good idea—but it’s not. During this time, grass is usually covered in dew or leftover moisture from overnight sprinklers. Mowing wet grass leads to torn blades instead of clean cuts, which can invite diseases like fungus to take root in your lawn.

On top of that, wet grass clumps together, clogging your mower and leaving a messy finish. And let’s not forget your neighbors—starting your mower before 8 a.m. might not make you very popular. While cooler temperatures are a plus, it’s better to wait until the dew has evaporated for healthier grass and a smoother mowing experience.

Mid-Day (10 AM – 2 PM)

Mowing during the hottest part of the day might seem practical if you’re trying to check things off your to-do list, but it’s tough on your lawn and your body. Grass is actively photosynthesizing at this time, trying to retain moisture under the scorching sun. Cutting it now adds unnecessary stress, increasing the risk of browning and wilting.

For you, it’s no picnic either—mowing in mid-day heat can lead to exhaustion, dehydration, and sunburn. It’s better to wait for cooler hours when both you and your grass can handle the task more comfortably.

Mid-Afternoon (2 PM – 4 PM)

By mid-afternoon, the heat may be slightly less intense, but it’s still not an ideal time to mow. Grass is recovering from the earlier heat and trying to hold onto its moisture reserves. Mowing now can interrupt this recovery process, leaving your lawn more prone to damage and dryness.

At Night (6 PM – 8 PM)

As the day winds down, you might be tempted to sneak in a quick mow—but evening mowing is another bad idea. Grass needs time to heal after being cut and mowing late doesn’t give it enough recovery time before nightfall.

As nighttime dew sets in, freshly cut grass becomes vulnerable to fungal infections and diseases. Plus, mowing in dim light increases the chance of uneven cuts or even damaging your lawn mower if you can’t see obstacles clearly. It’s better to stop mowing before the sun sets to keep your lawn healthy.

When Grass Is Wet

Wet grass, whether from morning dew, rain, or overwatering, should never be mowed. The moisture causes blades to bend rather than stand upright, resulting in jagged, uneven cuts. This not only looks bad but also leaves your lawn more vulnerable to disease.

Mowing wet grass also creates clumps of clippings, which can smother your lawn and clog your mower. Plus, wet conditions are slippery, increasing the risk of accidents. Always wait for the grass to dry completely before mowing to ensure a clean, even cut and a safer experience.

How Often Should You Mow Your Lawn?

Knowing when to mow is just as important as understanding how often to mow. A general rule is to mow once a week during the growing season, which is summer for warm-season grasses and spring for cool-season grasses. But this can vary—some fast-growing grasses may need cutting every four days, while others can go longer.

To keep your lawn healthy, never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. Cutting too much can stress your grass, weaken its roots, and even cause yellowing or browning. Instead, mow regularly to maintain the right height for your grass type.

Different grass types require specific cutting heights. Use the tables below to find the ideal mowing range for your lawn.

Cool-Season Grasses

Warm-Season Grasses

Conclusion

A lush, thriving yard starts with knowing the best time to mow lawn and following proper mowing techniques. As we’ve learned, mid-morning and late afternoon are ideal, while early mornings, mid-day heat, or wet grass should be avoided. Adjust your mowing frequency based on the season and your grass type and always follow the one-third rule to avoid over-stressing your lawn. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a beautiful, healthy lawn throughout the year!

FAQs

Is it better to cut grass at night or in the morning?

It’s better to cut grass in mid-morning, ideally between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day. Grass is typically less stressed and easier to cut when it’s dry. Cutting at night can be less effective due to higher moisture levels, which may lead to uneven cuts and increase the risk of lawn diseases.

When should you not cut grass?

Avoid mowing when the grass is wet, during early mornings, mid-day heat, mid-afternoon, or late evenings. These times can damage your lawn and increase the risk of disease.

What is the best time to cut your grass in the summer?

The best time to mow in summer is mid-morning (8 a.m. to 10 a.m.) or late afternoon (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.). These times minimize stress on the grass and prevent heat damage.

Is 7am too early to mow lawn?

Yes, 7 a.m. is too early. The grass is likely still wet with dew, which can cause uneven cuts and invite disease. It’s also likely to be disruptive to neighbors who might still be sleeping at that time. Wait until at least 8 a.m. when the grass has dried but before the heat of the day.