Do you happen to have statistics on how many Israelies thru-hike the trail in the spring vs. the fall? (I say Israelies because I figure the locals know what they're doing!) I can't make up my mind what time of year to do the trail. Other than the "flower factor," I'm hard-pressed to come up with a good reason for the spring season. It seems like you'd be racing against the coming heat wave. Any down-time, whether due to injury or just wanting to relax, would be one day closer to the onslaught of oppressive heat. I have the later half of April and all of May open to hike but I also have the fall open too.

It seems like there would be less pressure hiking in the fall. If you want to stop for awhile, no big deal. The next day or week is likely to be cooler than the one before. Sure, it's going to be brown and the flowers will be long gone but other than that, what am I missing? Other than my being impatient and wanting to get started yesterday rather than tomorrow (which is a very real urge), I'd like to know how the numbers break down. Thanks!

Sorry for the late reply, was hiking in the north.

About 70% of the thru hikers hike in spring. No doubt spring is the best season, it's not just the flower factor, I call it: Green vs. yellow factor, and it relates mainly to the northern part of the INT.

I believe you are an experienced hiker that will come well prepared for the hike, I mean physically. I'd like to suggest a modified plan for your hike:

Start in Arad in mid April. It will take you 2.5-3 weeks to get to Eilat and then take a bus north to Dan and hike south to Arad.

Fall is a more relaxed hike compared to starting in mid April in the north.