John,
Interesting question... You made some good points for picking August.
However, there are two contests that I try to operate as a Field Day-style
portable effort often from a NC island beach site in August; the NAQP SSB
and US Islands QSO Party. And the last weekend of July has the IOTA
Contest, which I just completed. Yes, band conditions are usually not
great, but 20M can be fun. In addition, there are the MDC, OH, HI, KS & CO
QSO Parties.
For me I don't do anything in May and September, so that is my vote.
73,
Henry - K4TMC
On Mon, Jul 28, 2025 at 3:34 AM John Geiger via CQ-Contest <
cq-contest@contesting.com> wrote:
> I was listening to a podcast tonight which was about something not related
> at all to ham radio, but its topic got me thinking about different months
> of the year and operating during each one, and it made me wonder, what is
> the least favorite operating month for most hams.
>
> For me, August would have to be near the top of the list. 6 meter Es
> season is about over, with the exception of the Perseids meteor shower
> providing some excitement and it is too early for 6m F2 most of the time.
> HF conditions in general aren't that great, with noise on the lower bands
> and the upper HF bands are not as good as they will be later in the year.
>
> There aren't any big CQ or ARRL contests except for the NAQPs which won't
> have as good of conditions as the winter versions will be. There aren't
> many state QSO parties either. There is the 222mhz and up distance
> challenge if you are on those bands.
>
> If you are in education it is usually the return to the academic year
> which is always a busy time also. It is usually pretty hot also which cuts
> down on portable operations in the southern portions of come countries.
>
> So, what is your least favorite operating month? Anyone else vote for
> August or am I unusual?
>
> 73 John AF5CC
>
> Sent with [Proton Mail](https://proton.me/mail/home) secure email.
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