An experimental study is performed on the transition characteristics concerning the reversibility and the hysteresis loop of the condensation curve. From the results of condensation experiments using propylene glycol vapor on lyophobic surfaces, having three different edge conditions of wettable, partially non-wettable and non-wettable, it is proved that the transition modes are greatly affected by these conditions. Under a large overall cooling-side conductance which realizes the continuous curve during the process of increasing surface subcooling, the reversible and/or hysteresis curves are obtained. The transition modes during the process of decreasing subcooling are closely related to the aspects of condensation in increasing subcooling. Although the modes for increasing subcooling are determined by the instability of the overall heat transfer system, they are strongly influenced by the edge conditions and the vapor force as well. Under a small overall cooling-side conductance which brings about the jump mode, the hysteresis loops appear in all cases.