Lake Louise Alberta attracts visitors throughout the year. But knowing the best time to visit can surely heighten your experience. While travelers prefer visiting Lake Louise between June and September, winter activity enthusiasts can plan a visit once the mercury drops down. Keep reading to learn about the weather you can expect at Lake Louise every month.
Let’s see what is the best time to visit Lake Louise Alberta?
Dive into A Snow Globe in January
Temperature drops down to -15°C during January, which is the coldest month to visit Lake Louise. The lake usually remains frozen during this time, luring ice skating enthusiasts. You can also enjoy horse-sleigh rides and take a walk on its lakefront. Tourists often engage in cross-country skiing from Lake Louise Ski Resort.
Enjoy Skiing & Skating in February
February is just as cold. However, it’s the best time to walk around the frozen lake and enjoy a sizzling cup of hot chocolate at Fairmont. You can make the most of the icy weather by trying out snowshoeing on forest trails and cross-country skiing. Evening skates under the glistening stars are the favorite activity of couples.
Modest Warm-Up in March
The temperature will now rise above the freezing point and linger somewhere around 4°C. You will get sunlight for approximately 12 hours daily. The ski season is now running at full swing, and you can make the most of it by visiting Lake Louise Ski Resort. The lake also allows winter activities like snowshoeing, skating, and dog sled rides. For an added dash of adventure, you can hike up to Fairview Lookout.
Experience Lingering Snow in April
The weather still stays wintery during April, especially when you visit higher elevation places. But if you wish to snowboard or ski, then April can be the ideal time for activities. Lake Louise Alberta welcomes the spring season towards the end of April, and the average temperature shoots up to 11°C. The texture of the snow becomes slushy, but you can still walk on the frozen portions of the lake.
Transitional Weather at Lake Louise Alberta in May
The ice thaws fully by the last week of May. But you might find certain parts of Lake Louise to be frozen if you are visiting during early May. You can visit Lake Louise Ski Resort during the first week of May to enjoy skiing in spring conditions. This can be the best time for travelers who wish to beat the crowds and avail deals at low prices. You can also try out wildlife viewing from Bow Valley Parkway and go on brisk lower-elevation walks.
Welcome Early Summer at Lake Louise Alberta in June
June signifies the arrival of summer at Lake Louise. Temperature lingers around 20°C. Travelers flock to enjoy the breathtaking turquoise waters of the lake and try out canoeing. The snow will have melted in higher elevation areas. You can easily access Lake Agnes Teahouse, Fairview Lookout, and even Beehives. Moraine Lake opens around June, and you can make the most of your visit by combining two lakes in one day.
Continue reading what is the best time to visit Lake Louise Alberta?
Peak Summer in July
July is considered the best month to enjoy the beauty of Lake Louise Alberta. Chances of rainfall are low, and if luck favors you, you can enjoy brilliant sunshine on your Lake Louise trip. The temperature will be around 24°C, and a jacket is recommended for night hikers. But the best season attracts a large footfall. If you wish to bask in the beauty of the lake in solitude, then it’s advisable to visit during late evening or early sunrise. Parking can be a major problem, and so it’s advisable to book your spot on the Lake Louise shuttle.
Enjoy the Warmest Weather in August
The weather gets warmer in August, increasing access to high-elevation places but luring in more crowds. The days are long, and you can enjoy a laid-back day at Lake Louise. By this time the snow melts even at the highest altitudes. You can easily scramble Devil’s Thumb, Mount Niblock, and the like. You can try out stand-up paddle boarding and canoeing in its turquoise waters. However, there are high chances of wildfires and afternoon thunderstorms this month.
Early Larches in September
Things slowly begin to shut off in Lake Louise during early September. The temperature will now be around 18°C. If you wish to enjoy the fall season in its topmost glory, then now is the best time to visit Lake Louise. You will see fewer tourists during September except during holidays. But this is when you will get to experience the magnificent fall colors. If you are an avid hiker, then you can go hiking around the Lake Louise region in September. Saddleback Pass guarantees the best views. Some other options are the Paradise Valley Trail connecting Lake Louise with Moraine Lake.
Enjoy First Ice in October
Early October means larch season in Banff. You can also go hiking during this time, as the average temperature remains around 10°C. However, the temperature drops down to freezing levels after sunset. But you can still enjoy lakeshore walks and lower hikes. If you aren’t very keen on coming to a frozen Lake, then now is your last chance to visit. This is also your last chance to head out to Moraine Lake, as the road gets closed after this.
Wintery Delight at Lake Louise Alberta in November
November marks the onset of the winter season here. The lake mostly remains frozen during this time, and you might even get to ice skate over the frozen lake. Skiing season starts as Lake Louise Ski Resort opens its gates during the middle of November. This can be the perfect time to visit Lake Louise while beating the crowds. The summer tourists have gone by now, and the holiday tourists don’t arrive till December.
Winter Kick-Off in December
Dreaming of a white Christmas? Head out to Lake Louise as the place transforms into a beautiful Iceland. Fairmont’s famous ice bar and ice castle will be built by the middle of December. You can feel the holiday vibes as you visit this place with your loved ones. You can also go snowboarding or skiing at the frozen Lake.
