I do not know with certainty if there have been more hikers lost in spring than winter. I do think spring brings out more hikers that have been holed up all winter. In some ways, some of us wait all winter and then rush out in spring without a whole lot of planning for that maiden trip.
Hikers leaving the confines of the city are often surprised to find mud, snow and ice on the trails.
Warm, sunny days turn to below freezing by nightfall. Bushwhacking becomes a temptation without the leaves totally bloomed. I do not know with certainty if there have been more hikers lost in spring than winter. I do think spring brings out more hikers that have been holed up all winter. In some ways, some of us wait all winter and then rush out in spring without a whole lot of planning for that maiden trip.