I've got a trip planned the last weekend in September (24th - 27th) we're entering at Clearwater Lake #62. This will be my first trip outside of June/July, what kinda weather can I expect? highs/lows? Any special preparations I should be thinking of?

Thanks in advance!

This is one of my favorite times of the year in BW. That being said I have had everything from 75 degrees down into the 20's. Plan on night time lows of 40 degrees or lower for sure.

you can get just about any weather that time of year.

make sure you always have something warm and dry to put on in case you get wet as hypothermia starts to become more of a concern that time of year.

I always bring two "warm" outfits that time of year so if i dump the canoe, there will always be something warm to put on.

Also be wary of the sunset time. days start getting pretty short around then and you will want plenty of firewood unless you plan on going to be early.

quote Aberrix: "I've got a trip planned the last weekend in September (24th - 27th) we're entering at Clearwater Lake #62. This will be my first trip outside of June/July, what kinda weather can I expect? highs/lows? Any special preparations I should be thinking of?

Thanks in advance!"

Average highs are around 59 and the lows are 40. You can see a real wide swing in temperatures. My first trip up was just around those dates. We were warm and swimming one day and putting on all our clothing the next. Wind Bay lived up to its name!

You can have some pesky bugs still around those dates or no bugs at all.

The issue I see is that most people are not used to the temperatures getting so cold at that time of year. By January 40 feels like a heat wave to people.

Be prepared and have a great trip.

One of my most memorable trips was into Kekekabic the last weekend in September. 70's during the day and 40's at night. Absolute perfect weather for four days.

wildcard. cold and wet or warm and dry. prepare for it all and enjoy.

I love September trips, The weather can be anything from 70's and sunny to 20's and snow. Had mornings in the teens. I've never had heavy snow, but I suppose it can happen.

Averages for Grand Marais those dates are 60 and 45. Record high is 77, record low 24. You may get all of those in a 4-day span. You may get sun, rain, sleet, snow, hail. You will probably get wind, possibly quite strong winds. Prepare for all eventualities - you can check the weather right before entry and adjust toward whatever end of the spectrum is predicted. You should get a lot of nice fall color. Enjoy your trip.

I want to second moosedrools comment. It get's dark very early up there that time of year. Just keep that in mind. especially on travel days. As other have said, favorite time of year. Bring some extra layers and a stocking cap to sleep in and your all good. Bring good rain gear as well. Should be a great trip.

Also, be aware that severe weather is still possible this late in the season.





North lake, last week of Sept '08. About 8:00 o'clock in the morning. A little lighting, a little hail and a LOT of rain.

quote boonie: "Averages for Grand Marais those dates are 60 and 45. Record high is 77, record low 24. You may get all of those in a 4-day span. You may get sun, rain, sleet, snow, hail. You will probably get wind, possibly quite strong winds. Prepare for all eventualities - you can check the weather right before entry and adjust toward whatever end of the spectrum is predicted. You should get a lot of nice fall color. Enjoy your trip."

Not a good idea to reference Grand Marais weather as the be all tell all in this case. If a cold weather system moves into the region that time of year it will almost always be warmer in GM and anywhere else along the lake Superior basin. During the middle of summer the opposite is the norm.

Our favorite time of year to go! Like others said, expect anything. Layers will be key, as well as a warm bag.

You will probably feel warm portaging in most any weather, while canoeing you can get the chills. I've portaged in a t-shirt while snow fell. We continually add/subtract layers. We wear a good thermal baselayer, a mid-layer such as fleece pants and a warm dry-wick top, completed by our rain gear, which doubles as a insulating layer. Probably expect some rain. It has gotten down to 30 degrees for us.

Only one time have we experience unseasonably warm weather that we actually wore shorts and swam.

Mid-weight waterproof gloves (like Serius brand) are really handy while canoeing in wet/cold weather. They have been one of the best additions to our gear.

Like moose said, a little extra clothing would be prudent. One year our raingear failed and we got wet and cold. The additional dry clothing really helped moral.

It is great to experience the seasonal changes, you won't be disappointed.

Rain for the fourth day and hot potatoes for dinner.

quote bruceye: "

quote boonie: "Averages for Grand Marais those dates are 60 and 45. Record high is 77, record low 24. You may get all of those in a 4-day span. You may get sun, rain, sleet, snow, hail. You will probably get wind, possibly quite strong winds. Prepare for all eventualities - you can check the weather right before entry and adjust toward whatever end of the spectrum is predicted. You should get a lot of nice fall color. Enjoy your trip."

Not a good idea to reference Grand Marais weather as the be all tell all in this case. If a cold weather system moves into the region that time of year it will almost always be warmer in GM and anywhere else along the lake Superior basin. During the middle of summer the opposite is the norm."

Yeah, I know it's not perfect, but weather.com doesn't list averages for Clearwater Lake. The numbers for Ely are about the same - 60, 40, 83 and 24. I would expect that temperatures in the BW would be several degrees different. It at least gives him an idea.

My favorite time of year......
from sun drenched to snow drenched.......
ya never know

Oh! one thing I have learned on my trips over the years..... check the weather before entry...... print it out too and then use that printout for fire starter on day 1 :)

heading up on the 11th year to revisit some of my favorite places..... a father son trip :)

Here we were on September 14, 2007 during a Snickers break on Smite Lake

Nice day wasn't it, HPD? My brother and I came out of Crab Lake that day. The tow across Burntside was interesting - my brother thanked me for giving him "the whole experience" on his first trip :).

boonie........ some of my worst days also happen to be my best (and most talked about) memories :)

I woke that morning and listened to rain on the tent...... then the "soft sound" of rain turned hard....... I looked out the door :( ummmmm that ain't rain we are hearing