Exterior Painting: When is the Best Time?

Learn the optimal seasons and weather conditions for a long-lasting exterior finish.

Introduction

Painting the exterior of your home is a big investment, and you want it to last. But unlike painting a bedroom, you can’t just do it whenever you have a free weekend. You are at the mercy of Mother Nature.

The temperature, humidity, and even the time of day all play a critical role in how well the paint cures. Paint too cold, and it won’t bond. Paint too hot, and it will blister.

Here is your guide to finding the “Goldilocks Zone” for exterior painting.

The Ideal Weather Conditions

For modern acrylic latex paints, the ideal conditions are:

  • Temperature: Between 50°F and 85°F (10°C - 29°C).
  • Humidity: Between 40% and 70%.
  • Wind: Low wind (under 15 mph) to prevent dirt from blowing into wet paint.
  • Rain: No rain for 24 hours before painting (so the wood is dry) and 24 hours after (so the paint can cure).

The Best Seasons to Paint

Spring (Late April - June)

Spring is often the sweet spot. The extreme cold of winter is gone, but the scorching heat of summer hasn’t arrived.

  • Pros: Mild temperatures allow paint to cure slowly and evenly.
  • Cons: Pollen can be an issue. If your car is covered in yellow dust, your wet paint will be too. Rain showers are also frequent, so you need to watch the forecast closely.

Summer (Early June - Late August)

Summer is popular because the days are long, allowing for more work hours.

  • Pros: Consistent dry weather.
  • Cons: Extreme heat. If the surface of your house gets above 90°F, the paint can “flash dry,” meaning the water evaporates too quickly. This prevents the paint from bonding properly and leads to peeling later.
  • Pro Tip: In summer, we “chase the shade,” painting the west side in the morning and the east side in the afternoon to avoid direct sun.

Fall (September - October)

Fall is arguably the best time of year for exterior painting.

  • Pros: Low humidity and stable temperatures. The air is dry, which helps the paint cure hard and durable.
  • Cons: The days are getting shorter, and you have to watch out for overnight dew. We stop painting earlier in the day to ensure the paint is dry before the evening chill sets in.

When NOT to Paint

  • Winter: Unless you live in a tropical climate, winter is a no-go. Most paints will not cure below 35°F.
  • Rainy Days: Never paint on wet wood. It traps moisture inside, which will eventually push its way out, causing the paint to bubble and peel.

While timing is key, color choice matters too. You want a color that resists fading and looks timeless.

  • Classic Gray: Dovetail SW 7018. A rich, warm gray that hides dirt well.
  • Statement Blue: Distance SW 6243. A dusty blue that looks stunning against white trim.

Conclusion

Timing is everything. A professional paint job done in the right weather can last 10-15 years. The same job done in poor weather might fail in two.

At Canvas Home Painting, we monitor the weather forecast religiously. We won’t start a job if the conditions aren’t right, because our reputation depends on your paint lasting.

Is your home ready for a facelift? Contact us today to get on our schedule for the upcoming season.