You can go metal detecting as soon as you buy your first metal detector. You can go whenever it suits you best early morning, before noon, afternoon, or even at night.

But like everyone who’s just starting out with metal detecting, you might be wondering: What is the best time to go metal detecting? Well, there is no single answer to that question. It all depends on where you are planning to go metal detecting, the weather, and how people around you live. Certain factors can indicate the best time to go metal detecting. These factors can provide you with an approximate guess, but the real deal is the experience.

1.0 Select the Site Before Deciding Time

The first step in this process is the site you have selected for metal detecting. What is it? Is it a public park, a beach, or just an open field with some historic importance? The best time to metal detect depends a lot on the site you have selected, as it will define all the other limitations you have to face.

Public parks might give a strict time slot for metal detecting, considering the public timing. Talking about beaches, you might be able to scan some beach areas whenever you want, but there might be some famous beaches or spots that are available only for a limited time slot.

If you want to scan an open space, then there might be nothing stopping you from scanning the area as and when you wish. So, it depends a lot on what site you want to scan.

2.0 Best Time of Day for Metal Detecting

Irrespective of the site, you must select a time of the day when there is sufficient light to do metal detecting safely and the temperature is neither too cold nor too hot, such as early morning or afternoon. Depending on the site, you might choose the time to scan accordingly.

2.1 Best Time to Go Metal Detecting at the Beach

If you have a beach to metal detect, it’s better to scan it early in the morning. You can start half an hour before the sun rises. You will have all the peace in the world to do what you want.

When scanning beaches, the most important factor is low tides. The low-tide sand area is the ideal site for detecting treasures washed ashore. While beach metal detecting, you have to consider the time of the day when there are not many people around.

Avoid holidays and times when people like to spend sunny days on the beach with their families. If possible, you can go metal detecting right after these family times, as it will increase your chances of finding some lost valuables.

2.2 Best Time to Go Metal Detecting at Parks

When scanning a public park, it’s better to go right after the peak timing—like after 9 AM—when most people are done exercising or jogging and are off to their homes or offices. You can find all the lost items during rush hour. You can scan until it’s lunchtime, as people might be in the park for a fun lunchtime with friends.

You can also go after 9 PM if it’s safe for you. All restaurants and markets will be closed, people walking their dogs or exercising will be minimal, and traffic on the roadside will be reduced. Be sure to have all the necessary metal detecting equipment and safety tools with you. It’s better to go on full moon nights for added natural lighting.

2.3 Best Time to Go Metal Detecting in Open Ground

There is nothing much stopping you from metal detecting in plain open areas except for the wildlife present there. It is highly recommended to go metal detecting in open areas when the sun is about one-fourth of the way up, like after 9 AM.

This will help you see better and avoid snakes, spiders, or insects while digging for treasure. Similarly, you should wrap up your activity when the sun is about to set. Make sure to leave the area before sunset.

3.0 Weather Conditions vs Time of Metal Detecting

After determining the site and best time of day for metal detecting, the third step is to consider the current weather conditions of the area.

3.1 Metal Detecting After a Rainstorm

 

 

If a thunderstorm has just passed, it is the best time to go metal detecting on a beach or park near you, as moist soil after a rainstorm is more conductive and easier to dig. This is where you can really hit the jackpot when it comes to metal detecting. We have a complete guide on metal detecting after a rainstorm, check it out here: Metal Detecting After a Rainstorm.

3.2 Metal Detecting After Rain in Mountainous Terrain

We cannot give the same recommendation for remote open areas, especially if your area has mountainous terrain. These areas can experience flash floods after heavy rainstorms, so it’s better to avoid them after rain. If you want to go metal detecting there, wait at least two days to avoid any flood or landslide situations.

3.3 Metal Detecting in Bad Weather

If you are planning to go metal detecting in bad weather, it can be tricky. Bad weather means fewer people around. High winds mean fewer people on the beach, and light rain means no people in the park.

It depends on you. If you and your metal detecting tools are capable of handling harsh weather, it can be an excellent time to go metal detecting. We recommend doing it between 10 AM and 3 PM and only in areas where emergency response can reach you quickly.

3.4 Metal Detecting in Extreme Weather

Heatwaves or snowstorms are extreme conditions. It is never recommended to go metal detecting in such weather. Heatwaves make the land dry and hard to dig, increasing your chances of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. If you still plan to go, start early in the morning and finish before 9 AM, or go after sunset with plenty of water.

Snow can pile up and prevent proper scanning depth, while frozen ground is hard to dig. Windy conditions with fallen leaves or high tides on the beach are also limiting factors. Save your plans for another day when conditions are better.

Metal detecting can also turn dangerous in an instant if a thunderstorm develops, especially considering that a metal detector can act as a lightning rod, making you even more vulnerable to getting fried. Check out this guide on what to do if you get caught in a thunderstorm: What to do if caught in a thunderstorm.

4.0 Metal Detecting After Local Events

If you frequently metal detect in your local area, it is highly recommended to track local events. Any gathering at a beach, park, or open area offers a great opportunity to find something valuable.

It is recommended to go right after the event and scan the area for shallow depths and high conductive materials. If your metal detector is in gold mode, switch it on to filter out low conductive trash and find treasures.

5.0 Seasonal Guide for Metal Detecting

Weather intensity varies across regions, so understanding your local weather and season is essential. Here are some recommendations:

6.0 Tips for Metal Detecting Any Time

• Always study local law, rules and regulations about metal detecting.
• Specially call local authorities to understand and avoid overlooking seasonal restrictions in specific locations.
• Always keep updated about weather conditions, especially high and low tide at the beach.
• Your health is above all, so there is a big no for detecting extreme weather (heatwaves, heavy rain, or snow).
• Never fail to clean or maintain equipment after damp or muddy conditions.

Conclusion

Metal detecting can be enjoyed year round with careful consideration of site, time, and weather conditions. The best time to detect varies based on the environment, early mornings for beaches, post peak hours for parks, and daylight hours for open grounds. Weather plays a crucial role, moist soil after rain enhances detection, while extreme conditions like heat waves or snowstorms should be avoided. Events in local areas create opportunities for treasure hunting, and seasonal changes influence ground conditions and comfort. Experience and adaptability are key to finding success and enjoyment in this hobby, making every outing a unique and rewarding adventure.