When is the Best Time to Visit Lake Louise?

So you are planning a fantastic trip to Banff National Park and now wondering when the best time to visit Lake Louise is and what the weather is like? Well, that question is entirely subjective to what you want to do. Generally speaking, the best time to visit Lake Louise is between June and September. If you want to ice skate on Lake Louise and feel like you have stepped inside a snow globe, the best time to visit is the winter, between December and April.

I love visiting Lake Louise in both the winter and summer. Unlike nearby Moraine Lake, Lake Louise is open and accessible year-round and fantastic most of the time.

I’ve visited Lake Louise every month, usually multiple times, and the experience during each one is entirely different. Let’s dig into the average Lake Louise weather you can expect every month, accompanied by photos taken during that time.

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The Best Time to Visit Lake Louise

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Lake Louise in January

Expect Lake Louise to be cold and have a lot of snow in January. The average Lake Louise temperature floats around -5°C, but you will likely get some beautiful sunny days in the winter, which makes it feel a bit warmer. Because of its location in the mountains, you’ll want to get to Lake Louise earlier in the day rather than later. Sometime around 10-11a.m. will give you optimal sunshine on the lake.

January is the perfect time to bring or rent ice skates or walk on the frozen lake. Thankfully, when you’re feeling cold, you can always duck into the Fairmont Château Lake Louise and warm up with hot chocolate.

Also, make sure to check out the Ice Magic International Ice Carving Competition that happens every late January – it’s one of the best Banff festivals! If you’re a skier or snowboarder, now is a great time to head to Lake Louise Ski Resort for some turns too!

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Lake Louise in February

There’s very little change between January and February at Lake Louise. It’s still cold, and it’s still very much winter around the lake and entire area. You can expect Lake Louise to remain frozen for another few months. February is still an excellent time to walk around the lake, hop on a sleigh ride, ice skate, and drink hot chocolate at the Fairmont. The days are still short, but they are getting longer, so you can maximize your time at Lake Louise.

Temperatures are still low – very low. It’s one of the coldest times to visit Banff and Lake Louise, but it’s one of the best times to visit Lake Louise if you want to ski epic powder at Lake Louise Ski Resort! Dress warm during this time, especially at Lake Louise where it always feels much colder than it does in Banff.

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Lake Louise in March

The average temperature in March creeps above freezing (finally) up to around 4°C. The sun shines over the mountains this time of year (almost 12 hours a day), and the snow glistens, but it is still very much winter at Lake Louise. Ski season is still in full swing; you’ll probably still get some epic powder days if you go skiing at Lake Louise Ski Resort.

You can still skate on Lake Louise, snowshoe around the lake, or enjoy a dog sled ride like in January and February. A great winter hike in Banff is up to the Fairview Lookout, which looks over Lake Louise.

If you like the snow and feeling inside a snow globe, March is an excellent time to visit Lake Louise. It’s definitely not a bad time to travel to Lake Louise Ski Resort if you’re a powder hound, either. Though if you don’t like the cold weather, we recommend waiting until at least June.

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Lake Louise in April

Sadly, I’m here to report that the weather in April in Banff is still very much wintery, especially in higher-up elevation places like Lake Louise. Overall, it’s not the best time to visit Lake Louise, unless you are here to ski and snowboard and enjoy winter.

That being said, Spring is starting to show up, especially towards the end of the month. The average temperature is 11°C, and the snow is beginning to become slushy and spring-like. You can still walk on the frozen lake and ice skate earlier in the month.

Although you might expect the weather to be warm in April, you have to remember you’re in the Canadian Rockies, and it’s winter for what seems like nine months out of the year. Remember to pack warm clothes, especially around Lake Louise. A down jacket, gloves, hats, and boots can make all the difference. Last year, my parka was perfect for skating on the lake in early April!

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Lake Louise in May

It’s almost full spring in the Canadian Rockies. Temperatures are creeping up, and there are a few excellent and warm days in Banff in May. Lake Louise, at the earliest, will be completely thawed by the last week of May. However, it really all depends on the year and you shouldn’t expect it to be anywhere near its brilliant blue even if it is thawed in May. Some years, the lake doesn’t fully thaw until early June.

If you’re visiting Lake Louise in early May and wondering if Lake Louise is still frozen, it is – with lots of snow in the surroundings. We have never seen the lake thaw before the last week of May. May is also the last month of the season for the ski resorts, so if you want some excellent spring conditions, head to Lake Louise Ski Resort the first week of May.

Hiking up the Lake Agnes Teahouse or the Little Beehive won’t be ready until the last week of May, but you might even have to wait until June, depending on the year and the snowpack.

I’ve gone up to the teahouse the first week of June, and it’s been a glorious hike and gone the second week of June and had to battle snow. Good alternatives are the hike up to Mirror Lake and the hike to Fairview Lookout.

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Lake Louise in June

Yay! June means that summer is finally here at Lake Louise. June is one of the best times to visit Lake Louise and Banff in general, in my opinion. Lake Louise should be thawed entirely now, and the water will be so blue your eyes may hurt!

Heading to the Fairview Lookout, Lake Agnes Teahouse, and even the Beehives are usually attainable now as the snow has melted in most of the higher elevation places. Although attempting summits like Devils Thumb, Mount Niblock, Fairview Summit, and Mount Whyte will need a few more weeks, but it all depends on the snowpack and the year!

I love visiting Lake Louise in June because it’s summer, the weather is terrific, the water is Kool-Aid blue, and the crowds aren’t at their peak…yet. It’s possible to rent a canoe now from the Boathouse and hit up the water. Moraine Lake Road usually opens around June 1st, and it’s always advised to combined the two lakes for a beautiful day out.

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Lake Louise in July

July is, without a doubt, the best time to visit Lake Louise. It is a beautiful summer month in Banff. Rainfall is low, and if you’re lucky, your vacation will be filled with sunshine and long days, and no wildfire smoke. The snow is melting up high, and the average temperature is 24°C, but you will still need a jacket at night around Lake Louise, especially if you are doing any hiking.

However, July means crowds and lots of them. One of the first places these crowds head is Lake Louise, so you can expect to have many people surrounding you when you visit. To avoid the crowds, aim to visit Lake Louise at sunrise or in the evening.

Midday is the worst time to visit Lake Louise, and you will have a very tough time parking at the Lake Louise Lakeshore, so we recommend planning your visit to Lake Louise by booking a tour or book a spot on the Lake Louise shuttle. That said, it really is beautiful in Banff National Park in July and cannot be beat.

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Lake Louise in August

Lake Louise in August is just as good, if not better, than July. I really consider August one of the best time to visit Banff. Long days and warm weather are what you can expect at Lake Louise. The good news is that most of the snow should be melted off the higher peaks as well. This means that if you wanted to scramble Devil’s Thumb or more serious scrambles like Mount Niblock, it should be almost totally snow-free.

Crowds are still here, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a parking spot if you arrive after 7 a.m. or before 6 p.m. The situation worsens every year, which means you have to plan your trip to Lake Louise in advance.

One of the best things to do at Lake Louise during this time is hire a canoe, bring your own canoe, or stand-up paddleboard! Hiking the Plain of Six Glaciers is also a fabulous hike that isn’t as busy as the Lake Agnes Teahouse Trek.

When you are done at Lake Louise, make sure you have planned a visit to Moraine Lake or cross the highway and venture up the Lake Louise Summer Gondola for some absolutely incredible views!

All that being said, if you thought July was busy, you haven’t seen August. With school holidays and everyone getting their summer on, you’ll still see many people around Banff and at the main sites.

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Lake Louise in September

Things begin to cool off slightly in Banff in September, but it’s still relatively warm… for Banff, that is. The average temperature is around 18°C, but nights – as always – can feel quite cold. September is the proper start of fall, making it one of the best times to visit Lake Louise.

There are generally fewer tourists than during the summer months, but you will still have people visiting for Labor Day and chasing the larches and fall colors in late September. There are plenty of larch trees and great hikes around the Lake Louise area.

For the best views of golden larches, head up Saddleback Pass. Even better, hike the Paradise Valley Trail that connects Moraine Lake and Lake Louise for extra larch goodness. In September, it’s still possible to canoe out on the lake, and there’s plenty of hiking at Lake Louise to be had.

Just keep in mind that it is September, the weather can be changeable, and days are getting shorter, so check the forecast before you head out on an adventure (and be prepared with waterproofs).

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Lake Louise in October

There’s still plenty of sunshine in Banff in October, but it’s most definitely fall weather, and you should plan your trip to Lake Louise accordingly. Early October means it might still be larch season and a good time to go hiking, so it’s not a bad time to visit Lake Louise!

The average temperature is about 10°C; after dark, it can drop below freezing. All I can say is layers, layers, and layers. This is pretty much your last month to enjoy Lake Louise before it is frozen.

So get out on that canoe the first half of the month, but wear a life jacket; falling in would surely shock you to hypothermia quickly. By mid-October, the first snow of the season will begin to fall (if it hasn’t already in September), making it a beautiful time to visit Lake Louise. I love seeing the trees dusted in the snow while Lake Louise is still thawed.

If you want to head to Moraine Lake, this is your last month to do it. By mid-October, Moraine Lake Road will close for the season, officially marking the end of summer season in Banff.

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Lake Louise in November

November at Lake Louise means that it’s winter again, and you can expect to find Lake Louise mostly frozen. If you’re lucky—and I mean really lucky—you might be able to ice skate on Lake Louise before the snow falls. This happens every few years, but it’s only for a brief window (think one to two days). If you catch it right, you’ll be skating on frozen blue Kool-Aid.

The good news? Lake Louise Ski Resort opens in mid-November, and there is plenty of early-season skiing fun to be had. The other good news? It’s locals’ season in Banff National Park, and there aren’t many other visitors in sight. The summer tourists are gone, and the holiday tourists have yet to arrive, so it’s a tranquil time to visit Lake Louise.

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Lake Louise in December

December is one of the best times to visit Lake Louise! Few places are as remarkable for the holidays as Banff National Park, especially if you’re dreaming of a white Christmas. The holiday cheer is in the air throughout Banff, and it’s a wonderful time to visit.

The Fairmont’s Ice Castle and the famous ice bar will be built by mid-December. Head here with family and friends to feel merry and cheery. It’s the perfect time to enjoy a horse-drawn carriage around the lake. Another fun thing to do is ski or snowboard at Lake Louise, which we consider the best Banff Christmas Day activity once the presents are unwrapped.

The holidays are a busy time to visit Lake Louise, but not nearly as busy as the summer. The other good news is that it’s still pretty easy to get parking and enjoy Lake Louise to the fullest. Just dress warm and get to Lake Louise early. It’s the shortest month of the year, and you can expect the sun to be set there by 5 p.m.!

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How Late is Lake Louise Open?

Lake Louise is a natural setting without set open and closing hours. The lake is accessible all day and night, though visiting during the day is best. It’s worth noting that attractions like the Icebar in the winter and canoe docks in the summer will close down at night. During the summer months, paid parking is in effect at Lake Louise between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

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So Then, When Is The BEST Time To Visit Lake Louise?

As you can see, Lake Louise is a year-round destination. It’s such a spectacular part of the world that it’s never a bad idea to visit. In the winter months, you can enjoy sleigh rides, ice skating, ice climbing, skiing, and snowshoeing.

During the summer, you’re spoilt for activities, great hikes, canoeing, and the views are spectacular.

To ensure warmer weather, and a good chance to witness the most vivid turquoise water – visit Lake Louise from late June to September. That being said, the color never leaves and you can witness the melted lake until mid October, when the lake freezes over.

Every few years, the lake freezes over enough to skate on before receiving significant snowfall. This means you can ice skate on a frozen ice surface that is the same dizzying turquoise blue. This typically happens in early November. If you want to vacation in a winter wonderland, the best time to visit Lake Louise is between December and March.

My least favorite time to visit Lake Louise would have to be May, when the lake is not fully thawed yet, but things are warming up. So, all the elements come together to form a bit of a giant gloomy mess. However, if you’re visiting Banff in May and can only see Lake Louise during this month, it’s still worth visiting!

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When Does Lake Louise Melt?

The ice usually melts the last week of May or first week of June. This is season-dependent, so it has occasionally thawed earlier and a little later. That being said, it’s safe to assume the lake will be unfrozen by June.

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When is Lake Louise Frozen?

Lake Louise usually begins to freeze in November. The month of October usually brings heavy snowfall in the area, and the Lake Louise Ski Resort usually opens up the first or second week of November around the same time the lake freezes. However, every year is different in the Rockies.

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What Time of Day is Best to Visit Lake Louise?

We’re sad to say that Lake Louise’s beauty and popularity are also its downfalls. The demand to see the lake by almost every park visitor means you’ll need to be there earlier than 7 a.m. in the summer, and on weekends, usually even earlier.

If you don’t feel like waking up early to see the lake, don’t fret too much. Parks Canada has a bus service available from the Lake Louise Park and Ride, located at the Lake Louise Ski Resort. You’ll need to make reservations beforehand to secure a spot on the Lake Louise shuttle.

Lake Louise has updated parking policies – see them here.

You can also choose to stay at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise on the lake or many of the hotels in the area in the village offer shuttles so you don’t have to deal with parking.

As it gets late in the evening, the crowds do thin out and you can usually get a parking spot after 7 p.m. when everyone else is having dinner at a Lake Louise restaurant. We’ve never struggled to get parking at Lake Louise in the winter months.

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Canoeing on Lake Louise

There is likely no place more quintessential to rent a canoe in Banff than Lake Louise. It’s one of the most spectacular scenes in the world. It’s tough to find a more stunning scene to paddle through as you look out to Mount Victoria and the hanging Victoria glacier. There is no need for fancy edits on your photographs; the water in Lake Louise, like Moraine Lake, is indeed that radiant turquoise blue.

You can pick up canoe rentals at the Lake Louise boathouse because even if you have your own, you’d have to arrive very early in the morning to secure a close parking spot to carry the canoe.

• Location: Fairmont Lake Louise Boathouse
• Canoe Cost: $155 per hour / $145 per half hour (+tax)
• Season: Mid-June to Mid-October

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Can you bring a private canoe, kayak, or SUP to Lake Louise?

Visitors can bring their own personal watercraft to any of the lakes or rivers within Banff National Park. The tricky part with Lake Louise is acquiring a parking spot and then launching from the lakeshore, so keep that in mind. Of course, you can get inflatable SUPs like us and pack them up a lot smaller than a canoe. You can bring inflatable watercraft on the Parks Canada shuttles.

Keep in mind, to prevent the spread of Aquatic invasive species visitors must now fill out a Self Certification Permit with Parks Canada for any nonmotorized watercraft entering the water. This includes kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. The Self Certification Permits can be found online.

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Lake Louise Lodge Accommodation

There is only one place to stay on Lake Louise: the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Staying at the lake allows you to take advantage of the lake at all times of the day, and they have a private parking lot, so you’re guaranteed a spot to park. However it is the most expensive place to stay in all of Banff. There are plenty of places to stay in the area of Lake Louise; see our posts below.

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When Are Holidays at Lake Louise?

Lake Louise is almost always busy in the summer, but you should take note of the following holidays as they are also busy times.

• Victoria Day Long Weekend (May Long Weekend) – Last Monday Preceding May 25 
• Canada Day – July 1st
• Heritage Day Weekend – 1st Monday of August.
• Labour Day Weekend – 1st Monday of September.
• Christmas – December 24th and 25th

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Where to Stay

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