The Best Time of Day to Paint Your Home’s Exterior for a Flawless Finish

Exterior home painting projects can be an excellent way to enhance the aesthetic appeal and overall appearance of your home. Paint can make older homes look newer and help newer homes stand out, even from the sidewalk or curb. However, you need to consider exactly when to plan your exterior painting project to achieve the best results and avoid any problems.

The timing of your painting project can significantly impact the quality of the finish, but you will also need to consider other factors, such as weather, temperature, and humidity. Use this expert-backed guide to determine the optimal time to paint your home's exterior.

The Best Time of Day to Paint the Exterior of Your Home

When considering the best time to paint the exterior of your home, it's essential to consider both the time of day and the time of year for optimal results. Matt Boden, professional painter and owner of Fresh Coat Painters of Tampa, says, "The best time of day to paint your home exterior is typically mid-morning or late afternoon, when temperatures are moderate and sunlight is indirect." This way, you won't need to worry about the early morning dew on the home or the intense midday heat, both of which could compromise the finish.

Consider the Time of Year

The best time of year to paint the exterior of your home is typically during the mild months of spring or fall, when you don't need to worry about freezing conditions or extreme heat. "Seasonally, late spring through early fall is ideal in most regions. These months generally offer the most consistent weather, characterized by warm, dry days with minimal rainfall. However, exact timing can vary depending on your local climate," explains Boden.

3 Factors That Affect Exterior Painting

The success of your project depends on more than just good paint and the specific time of day—here are the critical factors to consider that can make or break your paint job.

1. Weather

Weather is a primary consideration for any exterior painting project, so it's essential to check the local weather forecast regularly as you approach the planned project day. "Painting should be done during dry, mild weather with air and surface temperatures between 50°F and 85°F," notes Brian Kemnitz, interior and exterior painting professional and owner of Pearl Painters. "It’s best to avoid rainy or humid days and to steer clear of surfaces still wet from dew."

Ideally, you should plan a 24 to 48-hour period when there won't be any rain in the forecast. Just keep in mind that sometimes the weather forecast is off, so the more time you have without rain, the better. This will also help ensure the paint has enough time to dry properly after rain has fallen and before more rain is expected.

2. Temperature

Since the paint will be exposed to the outdoor temperatures, you will need to plan the project for a time of year when temperatures are best for paint adhesion and drying. Similarly, you will also need to consider the specific day and the time of day to get the best results.

"Low temperatures (below 50°F for most paints) can lead to poor adhesion, uneven finish, and drips. High temperatures (above 85°F on surfaces) can make paint dry too quickly, which can cause poor adhesion, brush marks, and bubbles," explains Kemnitz.

With this in mind, it's recommended to plan the project for the spring or fall months when temperatures are typically mild. Choose a day when the temperatures won't be too cold or too hot and plan to paint during the mid-morning or late afternoon for the best results.

3. Humidity

Another factor to consider that could drastically affect the finish of your painting project is the humidity. While indoor humidity can be controlled, you are at the mercy of ambient outdoor humidity levels when tackling an exterior painting project.

"High humidity (above 70%) can slow drying and cause surfactant bleed," Kemnitz says. "Additionally, UV radiation, especially on dark-colored surfaces, can significantly raise surface temperatures, even when the air temperature is only 70°F. This can make it too hot to paint."

For the best results, plan to paint the exterior of the home when the humidity level is relatively low, as this helps improve drying times and reduces the risk of a poor finish caused by slowly drying, runny paint.

How to Plan Your Painting Project Around the Weather

To ensure the success of your painting project, it's essential to stay informed about the local weather. "Look for two to three consecutive days of mild, dry weather—ideally between 60°F and 80°F with low humidity and no rain forecast," says Boden. Beyond finding this window of opportunity, you can use these tips to make the most of local forecasts.

• Check the forecasts frequently. Look at the forecasts leading up to the planned day of the painting project, not just the day before, so you can plan to work during a stretch of favorable weather.
• Don't neglect temperature ranges. When checking the forecast, look for consistent temperatures between 50°F and 80°F.
• Note the expected humidity levels. Plan the project for when the ambient humidity in the area is low to moderate for optimal results.
• Pay attention to wind conditions. Strong winds can cause dust, leaves, pollen, and other debris to be blown onto wet paint, ruining the finish.
• Make backup plans. To account for the unpredictability of the weather, consider selecting a secondary date for the project in case you need to postpone it.
  

How to Choose the Right Type of Paint for Your Climate

Selecting the correct paint for your home and climate is another crucial step that many DIYers tend to overlook without giving it much consideration. "Choose high-quality exterior paint appropriate for your region’s weather challenges, such as mildew-resistant formulas for humid areas or elastomeric coatings for regions with extreme temperature swings," Boden says.

If you live in a hot and sunny location, choose a paint with UV protection. If you live in a cold, wet climate, choose a paint that is effective for waterproofing and has resistance to mold and mildew. For those who live in a coastal town, look for paints that resist salty air and corrosion.

Similarly, you will want to keep the target surface in mind when choosing your paint. Acrylic latex paints are typically suitable for wooden surfaces, while elastomeric paints are a better option for brick or masonry. If you have metal siding, an oil-based paint will provide the durability and long-lasting resistance needed to keep your exterior paint looking good for years to come.

Planning Around Regional Climate Quirks

If you have lived in an area for a long time, then you are likely familiar with the climate quirks that can occur in the region. If you have recently moved, it's essential to learn about the local climate so that you can plan accordingly.

"Know your region—in the Southeast U.S., aim for early spring or fall to avoid summer humidity and afternoon thunderstorms. In desert climates, such as the Southwest, start early in the morning to beat the heat and use paint designed for high UV resistance," Boden says. "In the Pacific Northwest, narrow dry windows in late summer are best—just make sure surfaces are fully dry before starting. In Northern states, late spring through early fall works well, but avoid painting too close to the first frost."