September in Banff/Lake Louise
 

My husband I will be vacationing in Banff and Jasper in September 2003. I was wondering what kind of weather to expect the third week of September and what kind of<BR>clothes should we pack? I was also wondering how crowded will it be with tourists that time of year. Thanks for your help in advance.

How late in September? That does make a difference. Early September usually has good weather. Late September can be cool. At higher elevations, 6,000 feet and above, you can get snow in August. I remember one August 24th at Lake O'Hara when we went walking in the snow. About 4 inches or more came down. I have also walked in short sleeved shirts in brilliant sunshine.<BR><BR>So, I don't know the answer despite having been there many times. I take rain gear, Polarfleece pullovers, and a sweater, plus short sleeved shirts and sun glasses. <BR><BR><BR>

great time of year to go to avoid the crowds. bring cloths that are easy to layer. it could be very nice during the day but nights will be cool. also bring rain gear.

It's a mixed bag in late September, but I expect it will be cool, especially at night. Bring layers and a coat, as well as a hat. Shouldn't be too crowded then -- I think this is a lovely time of year to go.

Just to give you an idea of our crazy unpredictable weather, in the past year in the middle of summer we had snow on August 2nd, but a week before and after it was around 30 degrees Celsius. Right now, we are in the middle of winter and two weeks ago it was -35 C with the wind chill, but last week it was +10 C (between room temperature and freezing). A few weeks ago it was around room temperature at + 20 C. <BR><BR>The motto of Calgary and surrounding areas: If you don't like the weather ... wait 15 minutes.<BR><BR>By the way, last September was one of the coldest in many years (averaged probably around +10 C, but in years past it has been around +20 C. So, pack for everything.

I was in Banff in the third week of September in 2001. The first day I got there I had to buy a winter jacket because I was too cold with three layers of clothes on! But on the day I left the temp. was 23C! So it is an up and down game with the temp.!