If the norm for you is to update when convenient, I don't think you need to be constantly apologizing, and missing a week here and there isn't a big deal. But I think it's useful to give an explanation before or after if something unexpected comes up. I update weekly, and take regular breaks, so I try to keep my subscribers informed on the plan, and tell them if I'm missing an update. It's less about apologizing than communicating.
Sometimes artists disappear without explanation, and followers are left waiting years to see if they ever return. It's good to communicate "I am gone because X and I'll be back Y" as much as possible, so you don't send anyone into an existential crisis. But you don't owe anyone that explanation, it's just a nice thing to do. But again, this might apply more to disappearing for long periods of time/breaking routine.
As for hiding, not really? Sometimes I need a mental break from all the hard work, and I feel like the people enjoying my comic understand that.
